Police Detain Serial Child Predator on Day of Release Following Public Response

California Police Rearrest Serial Child Molester on Release Day

In a surprising turn of events, California police re-arrested a repeat child molester just hours before he was set to be released, following public backlash.

David Allen Funston, 64, was granted early release through California’s Elderly Parole Program by the parole board earlier in February. He was slated to walk free from state prison on February 26, according to reports. Funston had previously been convicted in 1999 for multiple counts of kidnapping and sexual abuse of children. Authorities have now brought new charges against him related to a 1996 case in Roseville, as noted by Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gyre’s office.

Funston was found guilty of 16 counts connected to his earlier crimes and received a long sentence of three consecutive terms, totaling up to life in prison at the California Men’s Penitentiary in Chino. Initially, Placer County prosecutors opted not to pursue the 1996 allegations against him because of the severe sentencing from the prior case. Nevertheless, following his scheduled release, they chose to file fresh charges, leading to his current arrest for lewd acts against a child. He is now being held in the Placer County Jail without bail.

Jayer highlighted that Funston’s release was partly due to “changes in state law and recent parole board failures.” Geer expressed concern in a statement, indicating that when such law changes jeopardize community safety, it’s crucial to re-assess cases appropriately. “Funston’s history involves very real crimes against children in Placer County,” he added.

Ann Marie Schubert, the former prosecutor who handled Funston’s initial case, expressed her shock at the situation, stating that it “shocked the conscience of every Californian,” according to reports.

The Elderly Parole Program in California permits release for incarcerated individuals over 50 after serving 20 years, or over 60 after 25 years. However, exceptions apply for those sentenced to life without parole or for specific serious convictions.

While probation commissioners initially didn’t consider Funston a significant threat, citing his participation in treatment programs and good behavior, his victim voiced a starkly different opinion, labeling him a “sick man.” This individual raised concerns about what might happen if he were to locate former victims.

Reports detail that Funston often used candy to entice victims under seven and would resort to threats of violence. In at least one instance, prosecutors noted he employed a Barbie doll to lure and assault a victim.