Therapy, remorse: A look at how 'monster' child molester got parole and new efforts to alter law

"He abused these children horrifically. He stole their childhoods. Someone that does these type of things, they don't deserve a second chance in life."

"David Allen Funston - who was convicted of 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation in 1999 - had been granted elderly parole at age 64. Funston sexually assaulted multiple children under 7 years old in the Sacramento suburbs in 1995 and 1996, prosecutors said."

"Some state lawmakers are citing Funston's case as evidence that California's elderly parole program needs swift reform. This gentleman in particular committed absolutely heinous crimes, said State Sen. Roger Niello, who represents the area where Funston's attacks took place."

David Allen Funston, convicted of 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation in 1999, was granted elderly parole at age 64 despite sexually assaulting multiple children under 7 years old in Sacramento suburbs in 1995 and 1996. A judge described him as "the monster parents fear the most." Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper condemned the Board of Parole Hearings' decision, stating such offenders do not deserve a second chance. Governor Newsom disagreed with the parole decision but lacks authority to overturn it. State lawmakers, including Senator Roger Niello, are now pushing for swift reform to exclude sexual crimes from California's elderly parole program eligibility.

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