California Governor Faces Backlash Over Release of Child Molester

Newsom signs law lowering parole eligibility age, leading to release of convicted serial child rapist

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing intense criticism after the state parole board ordered the release of convicted child molester David Allen Funston, who was serving three life sentences for kidnapping and sexually assaulting more than a dozen children. Newsom has tried to distance himself from the decision, claiming the parole board is an independent agency, but critics argue that Newsom signed the law in 2020 that lowered the age of parole eligibility from 60 to 50 years old, paving the way for Funston's release.

Why it matters

The imminent release of Funston, described by a judge as "the monster parents fear the most," has sparked outrage from law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public. This case highlights the ongoing debate around criminal justice reform and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety, particularly when it comes to violent sex offenders.

The details

Funston was convicted of kidnapping and molesting more than a dozen children in the Sacramento area, using toys and candy to lure them into his car before beating and raping them. Despite his lengthy sentence and the judge's description of him as a "monster," the California Parole Board has ordered his release under a law signed by Newsom in 2020 that lowered the age of parole eligibility from 60 to 50 years old. Newsom has tried to distance himself from the decision, claiming the parole board is independent, but critics argue that he is responsible for signing the law that enabled Funston's release.

  • In 2020, Newsom signed a law that lowered the age of parole eligibility from 60 to 50 years old.
  • Funston was serving three life sentences for his crimes against children.
  • The California Parole Board has now ordered Funston's release, sparking outrage.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, who signed the law in 2020 that lowered the age of parole eligibility, leading to the release of convicted child molester David Allen Funston.

David Allen Funston

A convicted serial child molester who was serving three life sentences for kidnapping and sexually assaulting more than a dozen children in the Sacramento area, and is now set to be released by the California Parole Board.

Phil Ting

A Democratic member of the California State Assembly who introduced the bill in 2020 that Newsom signed into law, lowering the age of parole eligibility.

Anne Marie Schubert

The former Sacramento District Attorney who prosecuted Funston and criticized Newsom for signing the law that enabled Funston's release.

Bill Melugin

A Fox News reporter who covered the story and provided details on Funston's crimes and the law that led to his release.

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What they’re saying

“The Board of Parole hearings is an independent agency and made this decision. The Governor asked for them to re-review its decision. The Governor doesn't agree with the outcome and has NO authority to reverse this independent decision per state law.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (X (formerly Twitter)

“What a joke. Newsom not only SIGNED the law allowing early release at 50 … he appointed these people.”

— Anne Marie Schubert, Former Sacramento District Attorney (N/A)

“Notably, the law had no exceptions for violent sex offenders. Not even for child rape, forceful sexual penetration, or sodomy by force.”

— Bill Melugin, Fox News Reporter (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow David Allen Funston to be released on parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around criminal justice reform and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety, particularly when it comes to violent sex offenders. It also raises questions about the responsibility of elected officials like Governor Newsom in passing laws that enable the early release of such dangerous individuals.