California Child Molester Granted Parole Under Elderly Program Rearrested on Decades-Old Charges
David Allen Funston, a 64-year-old inmate serving multiple life sentences for a series of brutal child abductions and molestations, has been rearrested on new charges just weeks after being granted parole under California's controversial elderly parole program. The program allows inmates aged 50 and above who have served at least 20 years to seek early release if they are no longer considered a public safety risk.
New Charges from 1996 Case Reopened After Parole Decision
Placer County authorities have booked Funston on charges related to an alleged child sexual assault in Roseville dating back to 1996. According to Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire, the case was reopened specifically because Funston's parole grant "changed the practical effect" of his previous life sentences.
"This individual was previously sentenced to multiple life terms for extremely heinous crimes against children," Gire stated. "Changes in state law and recent parole board failures have altered the practical effect of those sentences. David Allen Funston committed very real crimes against a Placer County child, and the statute of limitations allows us to hold him accountable."
Funston remains in custody without bail at Placer County Jail, awaiting arraignment on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts against a child. His attorney, Maya Emig, confirmed she had only recently learned of the arrest and is reviewing the matter while defending the parole board's decision as "lawful and just."
Outrage Over Parole Decision for Notorious Child Molester
Funston's crimes shocked California throughout the 1990s. In 1999, he was convicted on 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation for targeting at least eight children between the ages of three and seven. His method involved luring young victims with candy and toys before abducting and assaulting them. A sentencing judge at the time described him as "the monster parents fear the most."
Despite this horrific history, the Board of Parole Hearings granted Funston parole earlier this month, citing his participation in therapy programs, expressions of remorse, and good behavior during his incarceration. Victims and survivors have vehemently condemned this decision.
"He's one sick individual," one survivor told The Times. "What if he gets out and tries to find us? The thought is terrifying for everyone who suffered at his hands."
Political Backlash and Calls for Legal Reform
The case has triggered significant political backlash across California. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho called the elderly parole law "broken" and argued that violent sexual offenders should never qualify for such programs. Republican lawmakers are now pushing legislation to exclude sexual offenders from the elderly parole program entirely.
Governor Gavin Newsom opposed Funston's release but stated he lacked the legal authority to overturn the parole board's decision. His office requested a review of the case, but the board reaffirmed its ruling, citing reduced public safety risks associated with aging inmates.
Elderly Parole Law Under Intense Scrutiny
California's elderly parole program, which was expanded in 2020, allows inmates over 50 who have served at least 20 years to seek early release. Critics argue the program fails to adequately account for the severity of crimes like child sexual abuse and the lifelong trauma inflicted on victims.
Funston's rearrest has reignited heated debates about reforming the law to prevent similar situations in the future. The case highlights ongoing tensions between rehabilitation efforts, public safety concerns, and justice for victims of violent crimes.
