A shocking turn of events unfolded in California last week when David Allen Funston, a 64-year-old convicted serial child predator, was re-arrested by law enforcement just as he was about to be released from prison. This incident raises significant concerns about the implications of California's parole policies, particularly the controversial Elderly Parole Program.
Arrest Amid Outrage from the Community
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Funston was handed over to Placer County sheriff’s deputies by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), as reported by KRON4. His arrest is linked to a newly uncovered 1996 child molestation case involving a victim in Roseville.
After spending nearly two decades in prison for multiple life sentences stemming from kidnapping and sexually abusing children, Funston had earned eligibility for parole under the Elderly Parole Program, which allows inmates over 50 who have served more than 20 years to request release. In 1999, he was convicted of horrifying crimes against children as young as four years old, utilizing manipulative tactics like luring them with candy and toys.
Criticism from Law Enforcement and Victim Advocates
Law enforcement officials and victim advocates have expressed intense frustration regarding Funston’s impending release. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper sharply criticized the board’s decision to grant him parole. In a statement, he remarked, “Age does not erase predatory behavior. It does not undo grooming. Childhood sexual predators do not suddenly become safe because they turned 50.”
The outrage reached a fever pitch as it became clear that despite a recommendation from Governor Gavin Newsom to reconsider Funston’s case, the Board of Parole Hearings reaffirmed its decision to release him on February 18. This prompted additional scrutiny regarding the efficacy and safety implications of the Elderly Parole Program.
New Developments in Old Cases
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced that new measures were taken to address Funston’s situation, which included the re-filing of charges related to the 1996 case. They noted that while the case had been investigated before, it was not pursued initially due to Funston’s life sentences, which were believed to be a permanent solution to protect society from his heinous acts.
District Attorney Morgan Gire stated, “These life sentences ensured the defendant would be removed from society. However, due to recent developments under California's elder parole program, the defendant has been released from CDCR, effectively overturning the permanence of the prior life sentences.”
Legal Proceedings and Community Reactions
Upon his re-arrest, Funston was booked into a Placer County jail and remains in custody without bail. He made his first court appearance on the new charges this past Monday and is expected to face serious scrutiny in the coming legal proceedings.
As the community grapples with the implications of Funston’s case, many are calling for systematic changes to parole policies to ensure that safety remains a priority. Victim advocacy groups are stressing the need for stricter regulations surrounding the release of individuals who have committed serious sexual offenses against children.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between rehabilitation efforts and public safety, particularly concerning violent offenders. As conversations regarding California's paroling practices continue, the case of David Allen Funston may become a focal point for future legislative discussions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from predatory behavior. For residents in California, the hope is that justice will prevail in light of these troubling developments.
This incident emphasizes not only the complexities within the legal system but also the urgent need for ongoing vigilance and reform in policies addressing sexual predators and their potential return to society.
