California’s Elderly Parole Program just freed a serial child molester after only 27 years of a 355-year sentence, admitting he still fantasizes about kids—putting families at risk under soft-on-crime policies.
Story Highlights
- Gregory Vogelsang, convicted of molesting six boys aged 5-11, granted parole despite “above average” reoffending risk and ongoing fantasies about children.
- Sacramento DA and Sheriff blast parole board, predict reoffending, demand commissioners’ removal and system reform.
- Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey introduces bill to bar violent sex offenders from elderly parole eligibility.
- Precedent set by David Funston case, another predator paroled but rearrested—exposing program flaws.
Serial Predator Vogelsang Paroled After 8% of Sentence
Gregory Vogelsang, 57, molested six boys aged 5 to 11 in the 1990s, earning a 355-year sentence. California’s Elderly Parole Program released him after 27 years, less than 8% served. Parole records show his risk assessment rated “above average” for future crimes. During hearings, Vogelsang admitted persistent sexual fantasies about children. This decision prioritizes age over public safety, alarming parents nationwide who expect justice to protect families.
Elderly Parole Program Enables Dangerous Releases
California’s Elderly Parole Program targets inmates over 50 who served 20 years, aiming to ease overcrowding with “compassionate” release for low-risk elderly. Violent sex offenders qualify despite predatory natures. Law enforcement insists pedophilia endures beyond age or bars. The program ignores rehabilitation impossibilities for such crimes, creating loopholes bypassing Sexually Violent Predator protections. Families suffer as predators roam free, undermining conservative demands for tough sentencing.
Law Enforcement and Lawmakers Demand Immediate Reform
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho warned, “This inmate will molest again,” challenging parole backers to house predators near their kids. Sheriff Jim Cooper called the board “horrible,” stating, “You don’t rehabilitate sex offenders. Mr. Vogelsang belongs in prison for life.” Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey introduced legislation excluding violent offenders from elderly parole. California GOP demands Governor Newsom fire commissioners, reversing this insanity before more children suffer.
Funston’s September 2025 parole, after 26 years on life sentences for 16 counts against kids as young as four, set the dangerous precedent. Lured victims with candy; judge labeled him “the monster parents fear most.” Rearrested on a warrant, but Vogelsang faces no such block, heightening Sacramento risks.
Victims Re-Traumatized, Public Safety at Stake
Victims endure horror learning abusers, admitting fantasies, walk free. One Funston victim faced weekend abuse for years. Short-term, Sacramento families fear predation; long-term, reform must seal Elderly Parole loopholes for sex criminals. Bipartisan outrage grows, but Newsom’s silence on Vogelsang—despite Funston reconsideration request—fuels criticism of failed leadership. These failures erode trust in justice protecting innocents over criminals.
Prosecutors highlight Elderly Parole circumventing SVP intent, where such monsters stay locked forever. As President Trump restores order federally, California’s leniency spotlights state overreach favoring offenders. Reform promises exclude predators, prioritizing family safety and constitutional rule of law over misguided compassion.
Sources:
‘Ashamed of my behavior’: How ‘monster’ child molester got parole
Another inmate set to be released on parole through California’s elderly parole program
