Convicted California Child Molester Arrested on New Charges Hours Before Scheduled Parole Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David Allen Funston, a convicted child molester who had been granted parole under California’s elderly parole program, was arrested on new charges just hours before his scheduled release this week, state officials confirmed. Funston, 64, was transferred to law enforcement custody early Thursday morning after Placer County authorities filed a new arrest warrant against him.
Funston was sentenced in 1999 to life with the possibility of parole for multiple counts of sexual abuse of children, including kidnapping and lewd acts involving a child under 14 years of age. After serving 25 years behind bars, he was cleared for release by the California parole board, a decision that sparked public outrage and opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom. However, the governor lacks the authority to overturn rulings made by the unelected parole board.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Funston was transferred to Placer County law enforcement at approximately 7:30 a.m. following the issuance of new criminal charges. The nature of these charges has not been publicly disclosed, but the warrant effectively blocked his planned release.
The case has drawn significant attention amid ongoing debates over California’s elderly parole program, which allows certain older inmates to be considered for release based on age, health, and time served. Critics argue that some offenders, particularly those convicted of violent or sexual crimes, pose risks that are not fully mitigated by the program’s criteria.
Public safety officials and victim advocacy groups have expressed relief at the last-minute arrest. The Office of Justice Programs emphasizes the importance of thorough background checks and monitoring when considering parole for high-risk offenders. Meanwhile, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the new charges or the investigation leading to the warrant.
This development follows a trend in California where parole decisions for aging inmates have come under scrutiny, as documented by the California Board of State and Community Corrections. The board has highlighted the challenges of balancing rehabilitation and public safety, particularly for offenders with histories of sexual violence.
Funston’s case underscores the complexities of the parole system and the tension between legal mandates and community concerns. As the investigation continues, state officials have pledged to cooperate fully with local law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
For more information on California’s parole process and public safety initiatives, visit the CDCR Parole Division and the State of California official website.
Leave a Reply