California Grants Parole to Convicted Pedophile with 300-Year Sentence

Critics slam decision as 'insanity' of state's 'elderly parole' law

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:36pm

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Gregory Lee Vogelsang, a 57-year-old convicted pedophile who was sentenced to 355 years to life in prison for molesting several children in the 1990s, has been granted parole under a controversial California law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020. The law allows for parole review of inmates aged 50 and older who have served at least 20 years in prison, in an effort to ease prison overcrowding.

Why it matters

The decision to grant parole to Vogelsang has sparked outrage from anti-crime advocates and Republican lawmakers, who argue that the 'elderly parole' law prioritizes the rights of serial sex offenders over the safety of victims and the public. The case highlights the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform and the balance between rehabilitation and public protection.

The details

Vogelsang was convicted on dozens of felony counts, including lewd acts on children, kidnapping a child to commit a lewd act, and lewd acts on a child with force or violence. He was sentenced to 355 years to life in prison, but in November 2026, a three-person parole board granted his release. The case has now been referred to the full parole board for final review on March 18.

  • Vogelsang was convicted and sentenced in the 1990s.
  • In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing for parole review of inmates aged 50 and older who have served at least 20 years in prison.
  • In November 2026, a three-person parole board granted Vogelsang's release.
  • The case has been referred to the full parole board for final review on March 18, 2027.

The players

Gregory Lee Vogelsang

A 57-year-old convicted pedophile who was sentenced to 355 years to life in prison for molesting several children in the 1990s.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who signed a law in 2020 that allows for parole review of inmates aged 50 and older who have served at least 20 years in prison.

Anne Marie Schubert

A former Sacramento District Attorney who has criticized the 'elderly parole' law as prioritizing the rights of serial sex offenders over public safety.

Suzette Valladares

A California state senator who has called for the reversal of the decision to grant Vogelsang parole and the removal of the parole commissioners.

James Gallagher

A California state assemblyman who has called for the 'elderly parole' law enacted by Newsom and the Democratic majority to be reversed.

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What they’re saying

“The latest grant of parole to another serial child sexual predator reveals the insanity of the elderly parole law that Governor Newsom signed. It's time to put the safety of victims and everyday citizens over serial sex offenders.”

— Anne Marie Schubert, Former Sacramento District Attorney

“Releasing a child predator with a sentence like that is a complete failure of judgment. They must reverse this decision, and I'm renewing my call for @cagovernor to remove and replace these commissioners.”

— Suzette Valladares, California State Senator (X)

“Unbelievable! This policy enacted by Gavin Newsom and the Democrat majority must be reversed ASAP! Email the parole board today and tell them Stop Releasing Child Predators.”

— James Gallagher, California State Assemblyman (X)

What’s next

The full parole board will make a final decision on Vogelsang's release on March 18, 2027.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform in California, with critics arguing that the 'elderly parole' law prioritizes the rights of convicted sex offenders over public safety. The decision to grant parole to Vogelsang has sparked outrage and renewed calls for the law to be reversed or reformed.