Marin County Convict Denied Parole After Decades-Long Criminal History

Gregory Wayne McCurdy, convicted of cocaine possession and sex crimes, will remain in prison for at least 5 more years.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuff key against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the criminal justice system and public safety concerns.A close-up of a handcuff key symbolizes the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform and public safety in Marin County.San Rafael Today

The state parole board has denied parole to Gregory Wayne McCurdy, a prisoner serving a potential life sentence for crimes in Marin County. McCurdy was sentenced to 25 years to life in 1996 after being convicted of cocaine possession, with his criminal record including a 1984 conviction for assault with intent to commit rape and 1985 convictions for rape and other sex crimes. After being released on parole and committing another sex crime, McCurdy's most recent parole grant was rescinded, and he was denied release for at least 5 more years.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of balancing public safety with criminal justice reform efforts. McCurdy's lengthy history of violent and sexual crimes has made him a high-profile case in the debate over parole and sentencing policies in California.

The details

McCurdy was sentenced to 25 years to life in 1996 under California's 'three strikes' law due to his prior convictions for assault with intent to commit rape in 1984 and rape and other sex crimes in 1985. After being released on parole, McCurdy committed another sex crime a few years before the cocaine conviction. Most of his crimes occurred in San Rafael. McCurdy was granted parole in February 2025, but the decision was reviewed and rescinded by the full parole board in October 2025. At a subsequent parole hearing on March 4, 2026, the Marin County District Attorney's Office opposed McCurdy's release, arguing that he 'continues to represent an unreasonable risk to public safety'.

  • McCurdy was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 1996.
  • McCurdy was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape in 1984 and rape and other sex crimes in 1985.
  • McCurdy committed another sex crime a few years before the 1996 cocaine conviction.
  • McCurdy was granted parole in February 2025, but the decision was rescinded in October 2025.
  • Another parole hearing was held on March 4, 2026, where McCurdy was denied release for at least 5 more years.

The players

Gregory Wayne McCurdy

A prisoner serving a potential life sentence for crimes in Marin County, including a 1996 conviction for cocaine possession and prior convictions for assault with intent to commit rape and rape.

Daniel Madow

A Marin County prosecutor who opposed McCurdy's parole, arguing that he 'continues to represent an unreasonable risk to public safety'.

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What they’re saying

“He continues to represent an unreasonable risk to public safety, for many reasons including his long history of sexually assaulting women.”

— Daniel Madow, Marin County Prosecutor

What’s next

The parole board denied McCurdy release for at least five more years.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of balancing public safety with criminal justice reform efforts. McCurdy's lengthy history of violent and sexual crimes has made him a high-profile case in the debate over parole and sentencing policies in California.