SAN DIEGO -- EDITOR'S NOTE: Story contains graphic language.

During an exclusive interview, convicted child molester Matthew Hedge told 10News reporter Elizabeth Sanchez is ready to start his life over and wants the community to hear his side of the story.

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Exclusive Interview: Child Molester Speaks Out To 10News

Hedge, who lived behind the gates of Atascadero State Mental Hospital for the past seven years, is waiting to be released into San Diego County.

He was convicted of molesting four children, all under the age of 14.

Hedge and his doctors agree that it's time for him to return to the real world. He will be one of the first violent sexual predators to be released into San Diego County under the 1996 conditional release program.

"I'm not cured -- cured isn't the word that we use here," Hedge said.

"What are you?" Sanchez asked.

"I'm (now) capable of staying in abstinence," said Hedge, who admitted that he has a problem.

The convicted pedophile says he is far less dangerous since his treatment.

Court documents say in 1989 he told his two nephews to "pull their pants down." He then forced them to commit sodomy and oral sex.

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"I remember pretty clearly having the thoughts about the kids and the girls," Hedge said.

Hedge also assaulted two girls, ages 13 and 9, in an apartment swimming pool. During a game of "Shark," he "chased the children around," grabbed them and trapped them against the wall of the pool. He touched their breasts and rubbed their genitals.

Hedge said there were more victims.

People in the community are nervous and fearful. They believe because he's committed the crime once, he's going to do it again.

Hedge told 10News he understands the community's fears, but said San Diego should be worrying about all the pedophiles in the community who have not recieved treatment and present a much higher risk.

"When I first started treatment, obviously I thought I was OK. I was going to convice the hospital that I didn't need the help," Hedge said.

But seven years later, Hedge admits he has a problem and he'll need continued help.

Hedge's rehab includes understanding the pain the victims have endured, and in some cases, still suffer, as well as learning about himself and why he committed the offenses. The final part of treatment involves going home.

"I'm going to be the safest man in San Diego. (Everybody's) eyes (are) going to be on me for awhile. I'm going to be monitored, I'm going to have all these conditions," Hedge said. "I (will) have a GPS monitor on my ankle. I would be told not to go in certain areas which is near a school or it will go off."

From the moment doctors gave the OK for his release, public outcries have grown louder. According to 10News, some people would rather see Hedge stay at Atascadero forever. But, state law requires that a sex offender must be released into the community he came from.

Officials say if the community doesn't like it, the law needs to be changed.

"This law is not meant to be a 'put them here and throw away the key.' It is not, not, not," said Dr. Gabrielle Paladino, a psychiatrist from Atascadero State Hospital.

Hedge's psychiatrist said he has proven himself and if there was any doubt, they wouldn't discharge him. Most of the sex offenders who come to Atascadero refuse treatment, but those who get treatment, face public outcry when released.

Children have aired their fears about Hedge and communities have vowed to fight the "not in my backyard" battle. But Hedge said he just wants a chance.

"I want San Diego to get to know me -- that I'm not this giant monster with fangs that's going around looking for their children. I'm not," Hedge told 10News.

Hedge admits treatment is a lifetime process and there are no guarantees.

A hearing on where to put Hedge is scheduled for July 14. The judge hearing the case said the state doesn't want to be in a position where they have to turn him loose with no conditions because at some point holding Hedge will be unconstitutional.