California’s Elderly Parole Program Frees Convicted Serial Child Predator

A convicted child predator, David Allen Funston, found guilty of 16 counts of kidnapping and molesting children under the age of 7, will be released on parole through California’s elderly parole program under Governor Gavin Newsom.

A Sacramento man once labeled by a judge as “the monster parents fear most” appeared certain to spend the rest of his life behind bars after his 1999 conviction of kidnapping and molesting six girls and one boy.

Now, he is scheduled for release after being granted elderly parole — a decision that has sparked outrage and disbelief among several of his victims and the prosecutor who led the original case.

David Allen Funston targeted children playing outside their homes in Sacramento-area suburbs in 1995 and 1996, allegedly using candy and toys to lure them into his vehicle, according to prosecutors.

This behavior comes as no surprise. Democrats have consistently taken a softer stance on crime, even when it involves violent offenders who target children.

Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1448 in 2017, officially adding the program to the California Penal Code (Section 3055) after a 2014 federal court order aimed at reducing prison overcrowding.

In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom expanded the program through Assembly Bill 3234, lowering eligibility from age 60 to 50 and reducing the required time served from 25 years to 20 years.