California Man Denied Parole Despite Disturbing History
A California man, Israel Ceja, 63, who raped and later impregnated his underage stepdaughter, has been ordered to remain in prison, even though a panel recommended his early release under a law endorsed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Ceja was due for release from San Quentin State Prison based on the Elderly Parole Act, which allows older inmates some leniency. This recommendation came after a hearing in January where a two-person panel considered his 139-year sentence.
Interestingly, during the hearing, one of the parole commissioners recognized that Ceja still harbors attraction to young girls. Yet, he suggested that Ceja’s troubling thoughts could be managed through prayer.
Ceja’s case is one of several receiving attention as part of a contentious bill from 2020, which has drawn criticism from victims and law enforcement alike.
At the January hearing, Commissioner Neil Schneider pointed out Ceja’s intentions to relocate to Mexico post-release, labeling them as “genuine” and “very real,” according to Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig. Schneider also mentioned Ceja’s admission of being drawn to young girls and his belief that he could control these feelings with prayer.
As the case stirred further discussions, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom chose not to comment, and Schneider himself remained unavailable.
At a recent press conference, the victim, Roxanne Cruz, 42, emotionally urged the parole board to reconsider Ceja’s case, stating, “It’s not just little girls that he likes. He doesn’t care. He chases little boys.” She expressed deep fears about her safety, articulating concern that Ceja might hurt her or others if released.
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office took action last month by sending a letter to the governor, urging him to overturn the parole board’s choice regarding Ceja. In response, Newsom requested that a majority of the parole board reevaluate Ceja’s situation.
Recently, the board did just that, concluding that Ceja should face another hearing in the coming months to reassess his parole eligibility.
Reisig criticized the decision to allow Ceja another chance at early release, stating, “I never think it is appropriate to release child rapists into the community,” referring to what he deemed “fake geriatric parole nonsense.”
Ceja’s abuse of Cruz reportedly began when she was just 11, shortly after he married her mother in 1993. This horrific situation persisted until 1999, when Cruz was taken to the hospital and discovered to be pregnant. DNA evidence later confirmed Ceja as the father.
In one chilling incident from 1999, Ceja allegedly pointed a gun at Cruz, questioning her about other men, and pulled the trigger, though the gun did not fire, allowing her to escape. Ultimately, a jury found him guilty of crimes including forcible rape and child endangerment and sentenced him to 139 years.
The Elderly Parole Act applies to inmates over 50 with lengthy sentences, providing a means for some to seek early release. However, those sentenced to life without parole, or death, are not eligible. Initially, one had to complete at least 25 years and be over 60 to qualify. Newsom started reevaluating this provision in 2021 to address prison overcrowding, which has resulted in considerable backlash.
In November, the parole board suggested early release for another inmate, Gregory Lee Vogelsang, who had been convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children. However, after public uproar, the board reconsidered that decision, and a new hearing for Vogelsang is anticipated later this year.
Moreover, David Allen Funston, a known predator, was granted parole in February after kidnapping and abusing numerous children. Remarkably, he faced new charges just hours before his scheduled release.
As it stands, Ceja remains behind bars at San Quentin, his future uncertain amidst ongoing public concern.
