Serial Child Molester Rearrested in California After Parole Board Decision
SACRAMENTO – David Allen Funston, 64, was taken back into custody by Placer County authorities on February 26, 2026, just hours after being released from the California Institution for Men in Chino. The arrest comes following the issuance of a new warrant related to a 1996 sexual assault case in Roseville, California.
Background and Initial Release
Funston was originally sentenced in 1999 to multiple life sentences with the possibility of parole for 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation. His crimes involved luring young children, some as young as three years old, with promises of candy and gifts, then sexually assaulting them . A judge at his sentencing described him as “the monster parents fear the most.”
Despite the severity of his crimes, Funston was found eligible for parole under California’s Elderly Parole Program, which considers factors such as age and length of incarceration. The Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) initially granted him parole on September 24, 2025.
Governor Newsom’s Intervention and Subsequent Review
The parole decision sparked significant public outcry. In January 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom referred the case back to the BPH for an “en banc” review, requesting a comprehensive re-evaluation by a majority of appointed commissioners . However, on February 18, 2026, the BPH panel reaffirmed its earlier decision to grant parole.
Details from Parole Hearing
Transcripts from the parole hearing revealed disturbing details about Funston’s continued attraction to children. He admitted to experiencing fantasies involving children as recently as 2021, including an 8-year-old girl. He stated he developed an “urge control plan” and continued to receive sex offender treatment, but acknowledged he remained attracted to female children. He as well admitted to molesting a boy due to a “desire for power and control” .
Despite concerns raised by Deputy District Attorney Dean Archibald, who described Funston as a “very dangerous guy,” the parole panel cited his urge control plan as a mitigating factor.
New Charges and Current Status
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) turned Funston over to Placer County law enforcement officials at 7:30 a.m. On February 26, 2026, after the new arrest warrant was issued . He is now facing charges related to the 1996 Roseville case.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire stated that changes in state law and parole board decisions have altered the impact of Funston’s original life sentences . Funston is scheduled to be arraigned in Placer County Superior Court next week.