By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
CHINO, CALIFORNIA — A 64-year-old convicted serial child molester and kidnapper, David Allen Funston, has been rearrested immediately after being granted early parole from a California state prison, reigniting debate over the state’s elderly parole program and public safety safeguards.
Funston, who had been serving multiple life sentences at the California Institution for Men in Chino, was scheduled for release last week following a parole decision in February. However, authorities in Placer County issued a new arrest warrant tied to an alleged 1996 sexual assault case involving a child under 14.
Prison officials transferred Funston directly into county custody on the morning of his scheduled release. He is currently being held without bail in a Placer County jail and is expected to face arraignment on charges of lewd and lascivious acts against a minor.
Background of the Convictions
Funston was convicted in 1999 in Sacramento County on 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation involving extremely young victims, most under the age of seven. Prosecutors detailed how he allegedly used candy and toys to lure children into his vehicle before committing sexual assaults.
During the trial, multiple child victims testified against him. At the time, he received three consecutive life sentences in addition to a separate sentence totaling over 20 years. Prosecutors initially declined to pursue the Placer County case decades ago because the life terms were expected to ensure he remained incarcerated for life.
That expectation changed after California’s elderly parole program made him eligible for parole. Under the policy, inmates over 50 years old who have served at least 20 continuous years may qualify for a parole suitability hearing. Funston was denied elderly parole in 2022 but was granted it in September of last year, with the decision affirmed in February.
Prosecutorial Reaction
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire stated that changes in state law have altered the practical meaning of life sentences in certain cases, prompting prosecutors to revisit unresolved charges.
According to Gire, the statute of limitations still permits prosecution for the 1996 offense, making it legally viable to move forward with the case now that Funston’s release became imminent.
Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who prosecuted the 1999 case, publicly criticized the parole decision, describing the crimes as among the most severe child sexual predator cases she had handled.
Renewed Debate Over Parole Policy
The case has renewed scrutiny of California’s elderly parole framework, particularly when applied to inmates convicted of violent sexual offenses. Critics argue that automatic eligibility thresholds do not sufficiently weigh the severity of original crimes or the lasting trauma inflicted on victims.
Supporters of parole reform, however, contend that eligibility does not guarantee release and that each case undergoes review by the parole board. They argue the system includes risk assessments and victim input.
Funston’s immediate rearrest underscores tensions between rehabilitation policy and public safety concerns, especially in cases involving crimes against children.
He remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
