Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) a longtime advocate for victim rights and public safety, joined Senate Republicans in calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to remove and replace the California Board of Parole Hearings commissioners who voted to uphold the release of David Allen Funston, a convicted serial child predator.
“The news that a dangerous predator like David Allen Funston, who victimized the youngest and most helpless, could soon be freed left me feeling physically ill,” said Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. “For years I have fought against policies and decisions that put predators back on our streets. This is a betrayal of every parent and every victim who trusts our system to keep dangerous criminals locked away. I'm grateful to Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire for stopping his release. However, this should never have happened in the first place."
Funston, now 64, was convicted in 1999 on 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation for crimes involving the luring and sexual assault of multiple very young children. He received multiple life sentences reflecting the severity of his offenses. The Board approved his release under California’s expanded “Elderly Parole Program,” legislation signed into law by Governor Newsom.
Right before he was set to be released, Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire refiled charges against Funston, keeping him behind bars for now.
In a letter to the governor, Senators including Marie Alvarado-Gil, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, Suzette Martinez Valladares, Megan Dahle, Shannon Grove, Kelly Seyarto, Tony Strickland, and Steven Choi called the decision “unconscionable” and a “failure of judgment” that prioritizes a dangerous felon over the safety of California’s children. They urged Newsom to use his authority over board appointments to hold the commissioners accountable and appoint new members who prioritize public safety, victim protection, and the gravity of violent crimes against children.
The senators noted that while the Governor claims he cannot directly reverse the parole decision, he appoints the commissioners and has the power to ensure accountability. The full letter is available here.