Convicted Child Sex Abuser Rearrested on New Charges

Placer County issues warrant for David Allen Funston after his scheduled parole release

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 64-year-old convicted child sex abuser, David Allen Funston, was taken back into custody by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Thursday after Placer County issued a warrant for his arrest on new charges, including a felony count of lewd or lascivious acts against someone under 14. Funston was originally sentenced in 1999 to life with the possibility of parole for sexual abuse of children, but was recently found eligible for parole under the state's Elderly Parole Program.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety and criminal justice reform, as changes in state law and parole board decisions can sometimes lead to the early release of convicted sex offenders, raising concerns among prosecutors and victims' advocates.

The details

Funston was scheduled to be released on parole on Thursday, but the Placer County District Attorney's Office issued a new warrant for his arrest, announcing two new charges against him, including the felony count of lewd or lascivious acts against someone under 14. The DA's office said recent legal changes and the parole board's decision to grant Funston parole changed the public safety calculus, prompting the re-filing of the 1996 charges within the statute of limitations.

  • Funston was originally sentenced in 1999 in Sacramento County to life with the possibility of parole for sexual abuse of children.
  • On September 24, 2025, Funston was found eligible for parole under California's Elderly Parole Program at a suitability hearing before the Board of Parole Hearings.
  • On February 18, 2026, the parole board panel reaffirmed its decision to grant Funston parole, clearing the way for his release.
  • On February 23, 2026, the Placer County District Attorney's Office issued a warrant for Funston's arrest on new charges.

The players

David Allen Funston

A 64-year-old convicted child sex abuser who was scheduled to be released on parole on Thursday, but was taken back into custody by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after Placer County issued a warrant for his arrest on new charges.

Placer County District Attorney's Office

The district attorney's office that issued a warrant for Funston's arrest on new charges, including a felony count of lewd or lascivious acts against someone under 14.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The state agency that turned Funston over to local law enforcement after Placer County issued the warrant for his arrest.

Board of Parole Hearings

The state parole board that found Funston eligible for parole under California's Elderly Parole Program and reaffirmed its decision to grant him parole.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The California governor who referred Funston's case back to the parole board for an 'en banc' review.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear, this individual was previously sentenced to multiple life terms for extremely heinous crimes. However, subsequent changes in state law and recent parole board failures have altered the practical effect of those life sentences for the victims and communities at large. When changes in the law put our communities at risk, it is our duty to re-evaluate those cases and act accordingly. David Allen Funston committed very real crimes against a Placer County child, and the statute of limitations allows us to hold him accountable for those crimes.”

— Morgan Gire, Placer County District Attorney (fox40.com)

What’s next

Funston is scheduled to be arraigned early next week in Placer County Superior Court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between criminal justice reform efforts and the need to protect vulnerable members of the community, particularly children, from repeat offenders. It underscores the importance of careful consideration of public safety risks when making parole decisions, and the willingness of prosecutors to pursue new charges when changes in the law threaten to undermine previous convictions.