California Child Molester Granted Parole, Community Fears for Safety

A man in California, once labeled by a judge as a “monster parents fear the most,” has been granted release under the state’s senior parole program. Authorities, however, argue that this decision endangers the community, prompting prosecutors to take action to prevent it.

David Allen Funston, 64, was convicted in 1999 after a jury in Sacramento County found him guilty of 16 felonies connected to child kidnappings involving kids under 7. He received a sentence of over 20 years, along with three consecutive terms of 25 years to life. Now, after two decades behind bars, he’s eligible for California’s geriatric parole program.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) verified that Funston’s eligibility for parole was affirmed by the Parole Hearing Board on September 26, 2025.

On January 12, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom sent the case back to the Board of Parole Hearings for a more thorough review. At a February 18, 2026 meeting, the board stood by its decision and suggested parole for Funston.

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper expressed his disapproval of the parole board’s decision, stating, “He is a clear danger to the community and has not yet been rehabilitated.” He mentioned reviewing the original reports and found it baffling that the board reached a different conclusion.

Cooper commented that the testimonies from young victims were crucial in convicting Funston and emphasized that turning 50 doesn’t automatically make someone safe for release. “Fifty is not old,” he stated, adding that many individuals in their 50s are still very active.

When asked about the possibility of certain crimes disqualifying individuals from senior parole, Cooper was direct: “Crime, violence, and sexual offenses are 100%.”

Sacramento County District Attorney Tien Ho condemned the decision in a statement, characterizing Funston as a “child predator who lures, grabs, kidnaps and assaults children.” He stressed that Funston would likely reoffend and criticized the senior parole system as flawed.

Some victims of Funston also articulated their concerns about a potential release, with one survivor stating, “He shouldn’t breathe the same air that we breathe.” They labeled him as a “monster” and shared worries about his freedom.

Funston’s horrific crimes left a mark on the Sacramento region in the mid-1990s. Prosecutors reported that he would lure children with treats and toys, then abduct and assault them. Accounts from the trial described threats he made, including holding a knife to a victim’s throat.

Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who prosecuted Funston, referred to his case as the worst child sex offender case she had encountered. She stated that she had requested an evaluation under California’s Sexually Violent Predator Act, which could lead to civil detention if deemed likely to reoffend.

It’s still uncertain when and where Funston will be released, as he remains in custody at the California Men’s Prison in Chino. A spokesperson for Governor Newsom noted that the case was referred to the Parole Board for additional review regarding public safety risks. The governor’s office mentioned that while parole eligibility is determined by law, it remains the parole board’s responsibility to assess an inmate’s risk before any release occurs.