Child Predator Pleads Not Guilty to New Charges
A man previously convicted of child molestation, who has acknowledged his ongoing sexual attraction to young girls, has pleaded not guilty to new charges. This happened on Monday as California Republicans intensified their criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom concerning the state’s parole board.
David Allen Funston, 64, faced a felony charge of lewd conduct with a child under 14 stemming from a case in Roseville dating back to 1996. The next court appearance has been set for April 6. Since February 26, he has been held without bail after his attorney retracted a bail request.
Initially, Funston was set to be released under California’s elderly parole program. Typically, individuals can request parole after reaching 50, provided they have served at least 20 consecutive years. However, state Republicans point to his legal issues as evidence of serious flaws in this approach.
California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones criticized the parole board, emphasizing that just turning 50 doesn’t eliminate the potential threat posed by a violent offender. He suggested that the current elderly parole system fails to adequately protect the public. Jones proposed legislation that would raise the minimum age for parole eligibility to 60 and extend the required prison term from 20 to 25 years.
The California Republican Party has also launched a petition asking Newsom to appoint new members to the parole board. Chairman Colin Rankin noted that “violent child predators should not be given a second chance while their victims suffer.” Meanwhile, state Sen. Suzette Martinez Validares expressed her disgust upon hearing about Funston’s potential release, urging the governor to act against this troubling situation.
A spokesperson for Newsom confirmed that the governor has referred Funston’s case back to the Parole Hearings Board for a reassessment regarding public safety. The governor’s office stated that parole eligibility is determined by law, but the board has to verify whether an inmate poses any danger before granting release. Furthermore, the administration noted that recidivism rates for geriatric parole have historically been low.
Funston was originally sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping, rape, and sexual assault of eight children in the Sacramento area in 1995. His previous claims about still being attracted to young girls, voiced in multiple hearings, didn’t prevent the parole board from approving his release. This decision ignited outrage among victims and law enforcement officials alike. One victim, Amelia, expressed her anger, stating she was “disgusted” at the prospect of Funston being released and emphasized the lasting impacts of his actions on her life.
Funston’s stated remorse doesn’t ease the fear that many have. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper and District Attorney Tien Ho raised concerns, labeling Funston a danger to the community. Cooper questioned the parole board’s judgment, expressing disbelief that they would reach a different conclusion than he had.
As legal proceedings unfold, Funston will stay in custody. If found guilty of the new charges, he could face an additional eight years in prison. For now, the situation remains precarious, with many calling for tighter controls on who qualifies for parole.
