A shocking parole decision in California has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with former NFL kicker Jay Feely leading the charge. Feely, a former All-Rookie selection and national champion at the University of Michigan, is now a congressional candidate in the state, and he didn't mince words in condemning the release of a man he labeled a 'monster.'
A Controversial Release Under Scrutiny
The focus of the outrage is David Funston, a 64-year-old convicted child molester. In 1999, Funston was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for kidnapping and sexually abusing children as young as four years old. Authorities at the time described him as a serial predator who used candy and toys to lure young victims.
Despite this horrific history, the California Board of Parole Hearings found Funston eligible for release under the state's Elderly Parole Program. This initiative allows inmates over the age of 50 who have served a minimum of 20 years to be considered for parole. The board reaffirmed its decision to release him earlier this year.
Feely's Fiery Political Rebuke
Jay Feely took to social media platform X to voice his fury, framing the incident as a political failure. "When you say the left is crazy and their beliefs and ideals are dangerous to the welfare of Americans this a perfect example," Feely wrote. "How could even a liberal parole board in California let this monster out of jail?" His comments directly tie the parole decision to broader ideological debates, highlighting his stance as he campaigns for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Feely was not alone in his condemnation. A U.S. Sheriff, whose statement was widely circulated, expressed profound anger, questioning the logic of the parole board's risk assessment. "How do they explain that to those children and their parents?" the Sheriff asked. "Age does not erase predatory behavior. It does not undo grooming. It does not restore stolen childhoods. Childhood sexual predators do not suddenly become safe because they turned 50."
A Swift and Alarming Re-Arrest
The critics' worst fears were realized almost immediately. Shortly after his release on parole, David Funston was promptly arrested again. According to state corrections officials, he was handed over to sheriff's deputies in Placer County in connection with a newly-filed child molestation case.
Inmate records confirm Funston was booked into jail on charges of lewd or lascivious acts against a child and is being held without bail. This rapid re-arrest has turned the parole decision into a major scandal, validating concerns that the inmate still posed a severe threat to the community.
The case raises urgent questions about the efficacy and safety protocols of California's parole systems, particularly the Elderly Parole Program. While advocates argue for compassion and the high cost of incarcerating aging inmates, opponents see this incident as a catastrophic failure that prioritizes policy over public safety.
For Jay Feely and other critics, the episode is a clear-cut case of a broken system. As Funston sits back in a jail cell, the debate rages on: how could such a decision have been made, and what must change to prevent it from happening again? The story is a potent mix of crime, politics, and sports commentary, capturing national attention and fueling a heated discussion on justice and rehabilitation.
