FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Multiple sex offenders, originally serving life sentences, requested to be released in Fresno after being granted parole.
In two parole board hearing transcripts, acquired by FOX26 News, both offenders were asked their “first choice” for placement if released and both said Fresno.
“We’ve told our victims they will never get out, they have a life sentence. They will die in prison before they’re eligible for parole,” Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said. “But under these new laws, people are getting out all over the place.”
Multiple sex offenders, originally serving life sentences, requested to be released in Fresno after being granted parole (FOX26).{ }
California’s Elderly Parole Program allows certain inmates to be considered for parole at age 50 after serving 20 years, except for those sentenced to death or life without parole.
Critics argue the program has loopholes, particularly for sex offenders.
David Allen Funston, a serial child predator convicted of kidnapping and molestation and originally sentenced to three life terms, qualified for parole through this program.
During his hearing, when asked if he was still attracted to young girls, Funston replied, “Yes, I am.”
During David Allen Funston’s hearing, when asked if he was still attracted to young girls, Funston replied, “Yes, I am.”
Despite that admission, he was granted parole and chose Fresno as his residence.
Funston mentioned “Centers for Living,” a transitional housing program.{ }
Gregory Vogelsang, sentenced to 355 years for sexually assaulting children, was also granted parole and selected Fresno as his location.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says the grant of parole has been referred to a rescission hearing and he remains in custody.
On March 18, 2026, the Board of Parole Hearings voted to refer the grant of parole for Gregory L. Vogelsang to a rescission hearing.
A rescission hearing is scheduled about four to six months after the Executive Board meeting where the rescission hearing was ordered.
The purpose of a rescission hearing is to evaluate if a fundamental error was committed by the granting panel that may indicate that a grant of parole was improper.
Both cited transitional housing and rehabilitation programs in Fresno as reasons for choosing the city, Funston mentioned “Centers for Living,” and Vogelsang referenced “Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA)”.
Vogelsang referenced “Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA),” a rehabilitation program for sex offenders. The program was also mentioned in Funston’s transcript.
COSA was also mentioned in Funston’s transcript.
Both David Allen Funston and Gregory Vogelsang cited transitional housing and rehabilitation programs in Fresno as reasons for choosing the city. Vogelsang referenced “Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA)”.
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If they want them to be released from prison, they can have them in their own districts, do not bring them to the Central Valley,” Assemblymember David Tangipa, district eight, said. “I do not believe somebody can be rehabilitated if they are targeting children.
In December, Fresno County passed an ordinance limiting the number of sex offenders who can live under one roof to six.
Meanwhile, state leaders are considering legislation that would restrict eligibility for the elderly parole program, aiming to prevent high-risk offenders from being released.
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Supporters of the program, like Keith Watley, argue the risk is minimal.
There have been zero cases of sexual re-offense for those released on elderly parole.
But for many local leaders, including Smittcamp and Tangipa, the concern isn’t age, it’s the severity of the crime.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that the COSA program previously received state grant funding, which expired last year.
FOX26 News was scheduled to speak with the director of COSA but he did not arrive to the appointment.
