California lawmakers are targeting the state’s parole system after two sex offenders were granted potential release. David Allen Funston and Gregory Lee Vogelsang were found suitable for parole in 2025. Both men were convicted of multiple assaults against children. Under current laws, felons over 50 with life sentences can seek parole if they’ve served 20 years. Politicians argue 50 is too young for sex offenders to be considered rehabilitated. Democratic Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen proposes raising the parole age to 65 for these offenders. Some civil rights groups oppose the change, citing effective parole laws that reduce prison populations.
Meanwhile, jury selection begins May 18th in a civil action to have Cameron Hooker declared a sexually violent predator. Hooker is a Red Bluff man who kept a woman locked in a box most of the time for 7 years. He was convicted of kidnapping, rape and other charges and sentenced to 74 years in prison. A possibility that he could be paroled has prompted prosecutors to seek the “sexually violent predator” designation, making it possible to remove him from the prison system and place him in a secure state psychiatric facility for life. The court action is taking place in San Mateo County.
-Steve Gibson