Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Assemblyman Joshua Hoover, R-Folsom, have introduced legislation in the California State legislature to stop the early release of serial child molesters under California’s Elderly Parole Program.

Lackey represents the 34th Assembly District, which includes the Antelope Valley, parts of the High Desert and northeastern portions of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2020 allowing for parole review of inmates aged 50 and older who have served at least 20 years in prison. 

The California Board of Parole has recently granted early release to serial child molesters under the state’s “elderly parole” law.

“I am disgusted that the Parole Board has granted early release to another serial child molester. We need to reform our Elderly Parole Program and evict everyone on the Parole Board that supported another shameful release,” Hoover said. “I am pleased to join Assemblyman Lackey to increase the age for Elderly Parole from 50 to 65 to ensure that these monsters stay behind bars where they belong.”

“Fifty years old is not elderly. Not even close,” said Lackey. “Just because someone turns 50 does not mean they are rehabilitated. We’re talking about releasing people who committed the worst crimes imaginable. That is unacceptable. 50 years old cannot be the reason we let violent predators out of prison.”

Gregory Vogelsang, 57, who molested more than five children in Citrus Heights, was recently granted elderly parole. 

Vogelsang was originally sentenced to more than 300 years in prison.

David Allen Funston, 64, another convicted child molester, was also granted early release despite admitting he still experiences pedophilic urges.

Both offenders were granted release under a law signed by Governor Newsom that lowered the eligibility age for elderly parole to 50 years old.

Lackey and Hoover’s bill AB 2570 would raise the minimum age for Elderly Parole eligibility to 65. 

The goal is simple: protect communities, protect victims, and bring back common sense to California’s justice system.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by Asm. Tom Lackey’s Office.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.