Serial Child Molester Granted Parole in California, Sparking Outrage

Victims, law enforcement, and the public condemn the release of a convicted predator under the state's Elderly Parole Program.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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David Allen Funston, a 64-year-old serial child molester serving multiple life sentences, has been granted parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings despite objections from victims, law enforcement, and the public. Funston was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting eight children, some as young as 3 years old, in the Sacramento area. The decision to release him under the state's Elderly Parole Program has sparked outrage, with officials and victims arguing that Funston is a dangerous predator who should remain incarcerated.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about California's Elderly Parole Program, which allows for the early release of inmates over the age of 50 who have served at least 20 years in prison. Critics argue that the program fails to adequately consider the threat posed by violent offenders, especially those convicted of heinous crimes against children. The decision to parole Funston has reignited debates about sentencing, rehabilitation, and victim's rights in the state.

The details

Funston was convicted in 1999 of 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation, including rape, of eight Sacramento-area children. The youngest victim was 3 years old, and the oldest was 7. Some of the children were also beaten. Funston was sentenced to a total of 90 years in prison, but the California Board of Parole Hearings has now granted him parole under the state's Elderly Parole Program, which was expanded in 2020 to include inmates as young as 50 who have served at least 20 years.

  • Funston was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in 1999.
  • In 2025, the California Board of Parole Hearings initially decided to grant Funston parole.
  • On February 18, 2026, the California Board of Parole Hearings reaffirmed its decision to grant Funston parole.

The players

David Allen Funston

A 64-year-old convicted serial child molester who has been granted parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings under the state's Elderly Parole Program.

Judge Jack Sapunor

The Sacramento Superior Court judge who sentenced Funston to consecutive life sentences in 1999, stating that he had become "the monster parents fear the most".

Jim Cooper

The Sacramento County Sheriff who condemned the decision to parole Funston, arguing that "age does not erase predatory behavior" and that "victims come first, especially children".

Amelia

One of Funston's victims who spoke out against his parole, stating that he "took innocence" from her and others and that he "is a criminal child molester, dangerous and deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars".

Anne Marie Schubert

The former Sacramento County District Attorney who is working to have Funston's parole rescinded and the law changed to prevent the release of such violent offenders.

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What they’re saying

“What the hell is going on in California?”

— Jim Cooper, Sacramento County Sheriff (The Ingraham Angle)

“The things he did to those children cannot be undone. Ever. Victims come first, especially children. I'm pissed.”

— Jim Cooper, Sacramento County Sheriff (The Ingraham Angle)

“You don't rehabilitate individuals like that. They have an appetite for it. Age does not erase predatory behavior.”

— Jim Cooper, Sacramento County Sheriff (The Ingraham Angle)

“This man took innocence from myself and others. He is a criminal child molester, dangerous and deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

— Amelia, Funston's Victim (The Ingraham Angle)

“I'm disgusted with the fact that (the parole board) would even believe anything that he happened to say. I don't believe that people like that change. Some things cannot be forgiven.”

— Amelia, Funston's Victim (The Ingraham Angle)

What’s next

Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert has stated that she and others are "doing everything we possibly can" to have Funston's parole rescinded, including asking the parole board to reconsider its decision and pushing for changes to the law to prevent the release of such violent offenders.

The takeaway

The decision to parole David Allen Funston, a convicted serial child molester, has sparked outrage and renewed debates about California's criminal justice system and its approach to sentencing and rehabilitation, particularly for violent offenders who have committed heinous crimes against children. The case highlights the need to balance compassion with public safety and the rights of victims.