Convicted Pedophile Released Early in California
A convicted pedophile who targeted children as young as five in Sacramento, California, has been granted early release due to a 2020 law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Gregory Lee Vogelsang, at 57 years old, was sentenced to 355 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually abusing multiple children aged between five and eleven during the 1990s. Reports indicate that a three-member board granted him parole in November, aligning with the law which permits inmates over 50 who have served more than 20 years to be considered for release.
Vogelsang’s conviction included numerous felonies, notably lewd acts on a child and kidnapping. In response to his potential release, Sacramento County District Attorney Tien Ho expressed concern about his likelihood of committing another sexual assault while on parole.
During the parole hearing, Vogelsang stated, “I don’t want to get excited when I’m not looking at children as sexual objects, but I know there’s always excitement.” He also mentioned having been abused by his father as a child, which adds a layer of complexity to his situation.
Locally, officials are calling for changes to the senior parole system. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper criticized the parole board’s decisions, suggesting they are failing the community.
Another case in point is David Allen Funston, a convicted child predator who had served three life sentences but also gained parole under the same program. Before his release, he faced new charges in another county.
Reports have detailed how Vogelsang groomed at least six boys by building trust with their parents, eventually leading to sexual abuse during sleepovers or outings. In one disturbing instance, a child was lured into his vehicle under false pretenses and assaulted, while another victim faced repeated abuse over several years.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has voiced their frustrations about the decision, emphasizing that the current parole system for senior citizens is flawed. They highlighted that such decisions could potentially lead to predators living nearby unsuspecting families.
The public, they argue, deserves transparency regarding how these parole decisions are made.
