Controversial Parole Decision for Child Sex Offender Under Scrutiny

Prosecutors and California lawmakers are actively contesting a disputed decision made by the parole board to release a child sex offender, Gregory Vogelsang, who is facing a sentence of 355 years in prison.

Vogelsang, now 57, was convicted in 1999 for committing sexual offenses against children, some as young as three years old.

A hearing is set for Friday to review the status of Vogelsang’s parole.

This week, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office reached out via social media, inviting public involvement in the parole review process.

In a statement, the district attorney’s office noted:

From 1995 to 1997, Vogelsang kidnapped or attempted to kidnap six boys aged 5 to 11, subjecting them to sexual abuse. Although he was granted early parole in November 2025 under California’s Elderly Parole Program, there was a significant public backlash. Governor Newsom has requested a thorough review of the case by the board, which subsequently decided to revisit the original parole grant during a hearing on March 18, 2026.

California Senator Roger Niello also took to social media, calling for the revocation of Vogelsang’s parole.

He further sent a letter urging the Parole Board to consider public safety, stating, “Few crimes are more alarming than those committed against children. I respectfully urge the Board to revoke Gregory Vogelsang’s parole grant.” He expressed deep concerns about Vogelsang’s history, labeling him a repeat child predator whose actions inflicted severe damage on vulnerable victims and their families. Niello argued that the board must prioritize public safety.

The senator emphasized, “The consequences of errors in this decision are irreversible. If another child is harmed, the damage is permanent.” His statements underscore serious doubts regarding California’s elderly parole policy, which was established by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020.

In past statements, it was reported that Vogelsang has not fully denied having inappropriate sexual urges towards children. He admitted to having experienced sexual excitement, stating, “It’s always there.” Vogelsang attributed some of his issues to having been abused by his father during childhood.

Law enforcement representatives had earlier described some of Vogelsang’s crimes in press conferences, raising questions about the adequacy of the parole system. One investigation highlighted a case where a child was persuaded to ride in Vogelsang’s car under false pretenses and was assaulted, despite begging for help.

Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper took a firm stance, asserting, “You can’t rehabilitate sex offenders, and Mr. Vogelsang will be in prison for the rest of his life.”