Just when California’s broken parole system was about to deliver another nightmare, law enforcement stepped in at the last possible second.
David Allen Funston, 64, a convicted child molester who had served 25 years in prison, was set to walk free this week after being granted parole. Instead, at approximately 7:30 a.m., he was transferred into custody after Placer County filed new criminal charges and issued an arrest warrant. Talk about cutting it close — apparently justice still owns a wristwatch.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed the transfer after Funston had already been approved for parole and was scheduled for release. Funston was originally sentenced in 1999 to life with the possibility of parole for sexual abuse of children, including kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under 14.
Prosecutors say Funston kidnapped and molested a child in Roseville in 1996. He was later convicted of crimes involving multiple victims and originally sentenced to three life terms. But thanks to California’s Elderly Parole Program — which allows inmates over 50 who’ve served at least 20 years to be considered for release — he was found suitable for parole.
On Jan. 9, 2026, Gavin Newsom referred the case back to the Board of Parole Hearings for further review. On Feb. 18, the board reaffirmed its decision to release Funston anyway. Because nothing says “public safety” like trusting a serial child predator’s apology.
Placer County District Attorney’s Office refiled charges from the 1996 case within the statute of limitations, triggering the arrest warrant that stopped his release cold.
California GOP Chair Corrin Rankin said the last-minute arrest exposed deeper problems in state policy. She argued that Democrats built a parole system willing to release violent offenders while prioritizing criminals over victims.
The former prosecutor who helped put Funston behind bars echoed that concern, praising the Placer County DA for stepping in and reminding the public that the law allowing this situation was signed by the governor.
For victims, the issue is far more than political.
One victim, identified as Amelia, said she was disgusted by the parole decision and rejected Funston’s claim that he had changed. She described lifelong trauma and the impact the abuse had on her ability to have children.
“I would love to have a child, and this is what this man took from me,” she said. “I have trauma. I don’t trust anybody.”
She also warned that Funston still fantasizes about children and questioned how anyone could believe he would not reoffend.
Funston told the parole board he was ashamed and sorry for what he did. His victim wasn’t buying it.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper and District Attorney Thien Ho also opposed Funston’s release, warning he remained a danger to the community.
This case proves something important: when the system fails, strong local leadership can still step in and protect the innocent. Thanks to Placer County prosecutors and law enforcement, a violent predator did not walk free — and that is a win for victims, families, and every community that still believes public safety comes first.
