An illegal immigrant serving a 139-year sentence for raping and impregnating his underage stepdaughter will be eligible for a second parole hearing due to a change in California law. The case highlights concerns about the state's Elderly Release Program and its potential to release dangerous criminals.
A convicted child rapist, Israel Ceja, serving a lengthy 139-year sentence for the horrific abuse of his underage stepdaughter, is poised to again seek early parole due to a legal loophole in California law.
Ceja, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was initially granted early release by a two-commissioner panel in January, a decision that sparked outrage and was subsequently blocked by Governor Gavin Newsom following pressure from Yolo County District Attorney Jeffrey Reisig. However, a new hearing has been ordered, reigniting concerns about the state’s Elderly Release Program and its potential to free dangerous criminals.
The controversy stems from a 2020 law signed by Newsom, which lowered the eligibility age for the program to 50 with 20 years served, ostensibly to address prison overcrowding. While intended to apply to non-violent offenders, the amended law inadvertently includes individuals convicted of violent crimes, including sex offenses against children. Reisig vehemently opposes this inclusion, arguing that it re-victimizes survivors and endangers communities.
He is urging Newsom and state lawmakers to close these loopholes immediately, emphasizing that the public does not want such offenders released. The case echoes similar concerns raised earlier this year regarding David Allen Funston, another child molester granted parole under the same program. Legislative attempts to exclude sex offenders from early release have faced setbacks, with a Republican-led measure recently defeated in the Senate Public Safety Committee, and a Democratic bill weakened through amendments.
Ceja’s original conviction in 2000 followed years of abuse against his stepdaughter, Roxanne Cruz, beginning when she was just 11 years old. During his initial parole hearing, Ceja shockingly admitted to continuing to experience sexual fantasies about his victim even while incarcerated, demonstrating a lack of remorse and a continued threat. Despite this disturbing revelation, the initial parole board deemed him eligible for release.
Reisig is now calling on Newsom to issue an executive order specifically banning child molesters from the Elderly Release Program, pointing to the governor’s previous moratorium on the death penalty as proof of his executive power. While the governor’s office maintains his authority is limited to murder cases, Reisig argues that a similar action is warranted to protect vulnerable populations.
The Board of Parole Hearings claims to utilize stringent risk assessment tools, but the case raises serious questions about the effectiveness of these measures and the prioritization of public safety
Parole Child Rape California Gavin Newsom Elderly Release Program Illegal Immigration
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Deported Romanian Child Rapist Recaptured After Benefits ClaimA Romanian child rapist, Sebastian Pavel Baltatu, who was previously deported from the UK, was recaptured after attempting to claim Universal Credit. He had illegally returned to Britain and was found living in Manchester, where he was previously part of a grooming gang. He has been jailed for an additional 18 months and faces further deportation.
Read more »
Trump administration flies 10-year-old back from Cuba amid custody fight involving gender identityUtah child returned from Cuba in kidnapping case over child’s gender identity.
Read more »
Southern California Water District Eyes Northern California DamsA Southern California water district is reportedly interested in purchasing the Potter Valley hydroelectric project, sparking debate over the future of the Eel River dams and water rights. The potential sale, highlighted by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, is welcomed by those seeking to prevent dam removal but criticized by some as a water grab.
Read more »
Trump's $1 million visa granted to just 1 person so far, Lutnick saysPresident Donald Trump's “gold card” visa program, which allows foreigners to live and work in the U.S. for at least $1 million, has approved just one person since December, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced this Thursday.
Read more »
Falcons' James Pearce Jr. granted intervention program entry, could avoid trial on felony chargesFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Rapist Predator Sentenced to Life for Deliberately Infecting Partners with HIVAdam Hall, 43, has been sentenced to life in prison for intentionally infecting multiple partners with HIV. He concealed his status and engaged in unprotected sex, including rape, with seven victims aged 15 to late 20s. The case highlights the devastating impact of intentional HIV transmission and the importance of adherence to treatment.
Read more »