Yolo County Survivor Pleads to Keep Child Rapist in Prison

Victim urges state to deny parole for convicted repeat offender under California's elderly release program

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a stark, black background, conveying a gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.A victim's harrowing story exposes flaws in California's early release program for violent offenders.Woodland Today

A Yolo County woman is begging state officials to deny parole for the man convicted of repeatedly raping her as a child, as criticism grows over California's elderly parole program. Israel Ceja, who was sentenced to 139 years in prison for multiple violent crimes including 19 counts of rape, is now 63 years old and has served only about 20% of his sentence. A two-person parole panel recently recommended Ceja for release under the state's elderly parole law, sparking outrage from the victim, prosecutors, and law enforcement.

Why it matters

The potential release of Ceja has renewed concerns about California's elderly parole program, which has been used to recommend early release for other convicted child molesters. Victims and law enforcement argue these violent offenders should not be eligible for early release, especially when they have served such a small fraction of their original sentences.

The details

In 2000, Ceja was convicted of multiple violent crimes, including 19 counts of rape by force and assault with a firearm. His victim, his own stepdaughter, was younger than 14 at the time. Prosecutors say Ceja was sentenced to 139 years in prison, but has now served only about 20% of that sentence. A two-person parole panel recently recommended Ceja for release under California's elderly parole program, which allows for the consideration of early release for inmates 50 and older who have served at least 20 years.

  • In 2000, Ceja was convicted and sentenced to 139 years in prison.
  • In January 2026, a two-person parole panel recommended Ceja for release under California's elderly parole program.
  • On Tuesday, April 17, 2026, a hearing is scheduled to determine whether Ceja will be released.

The players

Roxanne Cruz

The victim of Ceja's repeated child rapes, who is now urging state officials to deny his parole.

Israel Ceja

A 63-year-old convicted repeat child rapist who was sentenced to 139 years in prison but has only served about 20% of his sentence.

Jeff Reisig

The Yolo County District Attorney, who is opposing Ceja's potential release.

Garrett Hamilton

An official with the Yolo County District Attorney's Office, who is calling for changes to California's elderly parole laws.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has the power to block Ceja's release.

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What they’re saying

“Like my pain and everything he did to me and all the troubles that I have, it's like it didn't matter anymore. Like it doesn't matter how I feel or how anybody feels.”

— Roxanne Cruz, Victim

“This man, who is now only 63 years old and who had only served 20% of his sentence, was approved by Governor Newsom's parole commissioners, two of them, for release under California's fairly new elder parole law.”

— Jeff Reisig, Yolo County District Attorney

“None of these child rapists should be getting out so early in their sentences, and California does not want this. We've got to stop this nonsense going on. We've got to change these laws.”

— Garrett Hamilton, Yolo County District Attorney's Office

What’s next

The Yolo County District Attorney's Office is calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to block the decision to release Ceja. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2026 that will determine whether Ceja is released under California's elderly parole program.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over California's elderly parole program, which critics argue allows for the early release of violent offenders who have served only a fraction of their original sentences. The potential release of this repeat child rapist has renewed calls for reform to ensure victims' voices are heard and public safety is prioritized.