Full Breakdown
California GOP Launches Petition Against Parole Board Decisions
3/18/2026, 11:26:08 PM
Overview of the Petition
The California Republican Party has initiated a petition titled "Stop Gavin’s Predators," aimed at addressing the release of convicted sex offenders under the state’s parole system. This campaign highlights the actions of the Board of Parole Hearings, which consists of 21 commissioners appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The petition is available on the website StopGavinsPredators.com, where it details the parole board's decisions and profiles several offenders released during Newsom's administration.
Key Offenders Highlighted
The petition specifically mentions three offenders: Gregory Lee Vogelsang, David Allen Funston, and Roberto Antonio Detrinidad.
- Gregory Lee Vogelsang, 57, is a convicted serial child molester who was sentenced to 355 years for molesting six boys aged 5 to 11. Despite his admission of ongoing pedophilic fantasies and assessments indicating he poses a significant risk of reoffending, the parole board has recommended his release under the Elderly Parole Program after he has served only 27 years.
- David Allen Funston, 64, is a serial child predator convicted of 16 counts, including kidnapping and sexual assault of multiple children. He has openly admitted to still being attracted to young girls and has a history of violent offenses against minors.
- Roberto Antonio Detrinidad, 39, is scheduled for release after serving 11 years of a life sentence for a brutal home invasion rape. His parole hearing included disturbing admissions about his motivations for the crime.
Official Statements & Responses
The California Republican Party, led by Chairwoman Corrin Rankin, has criticized the parole board's decisions, calling for the removal of its members. Rankin stated, “Once again, Gavin Newsom's hand-picked parole board has decided that a monster who preyed on young children deserves freedom after decades behind bars.” Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper also condemned the board's actions, asserting that Vogelsang "is a predator" who should remain incarcerated for life.
Governor Gavin Newsom has limited authority to reverse the parole board's decisions but has referred Vogelsang's case back for further review, which is his only legal recourse in such matters.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the parole board's decisions argue that the release of these offenders poses a significant threat to public safety. The petition emphasizes the psychological evaluations of Vogelsang, which indicate he poses a greater risk to the public than 80% of other sexual offenders. This has raised alarms among victims' advocates and law enforcement officials, who fear that the current parole policies fail to adequately protect the community.
What's Next
The future of these cases remains uncertain as Governor Newsom's referral for further review could lead to additional scrutiny of the parole board's decisions. The ongoing debate surrounding the Elderly Parole Program and its implications for public safety continues to be a focal point for both political leaders and the community at large.
