Child molester on parole in California arrested hours before scheduled release
Authorities in California arrested David Allen Funston, 64, hours before he was set to be released from prison. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that at approximately 7:30 a.m., Funston was transferred to law enforcement after Placer County filed new criminal charges and issued an arrest warrant.
Funston had been granted parole Tuesday and was scheduled for release later this week. He was convicted in 1999 of kidnapping and child molestation involving multiple victims, including a 1996 case in Roseville. His original sentence was three life terms in prison.
Under California’s Elderly Parole Program, Funston was deemed suitable for parole because he is over age 50 and has served more than 20 years. He was approved for parole at a hearing in September 2025, with subsequent reviews reaffirming that decision, according to authorities.
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office refiled charges related to the 1996 case within the statute of limitations. The case was forwarded back to the Board of Parole Hearings for review, which ultimately recommended his release earlier this year. However, the arrest was prompted by a new warrant linked to additional criminal allegations.
Political critics, including California GOP Chair Corrin Rankin, criticized the parole system, accusing officials of prioritizing criminal rights over public safety. She said the last-minute arrest exposed flaws in the state’s policies. A former prosecutor involved in Funston’s case praised the authorities for their intervention.
Victims expressed outrage over the decision to release Funston. One survivor, identified as Amelia, told a news outlet she felt betrayed by the parole board’s decision and remains traumatized by the abuse. She voiced concern about the potential for Funston to reoffend if released again.
Funston reportedly told the parole board he was ashamed of his past actions and sorry for the harm he caused. Nonetheless, victims and law enforcement remain wary, citing ongoing concerns about his potential danger to the community. It is unclear when Funston will appear in court in Placer County.
Source: Original Article
