Republican Lawmakers to Rally Ahead of Hearing on Release of Serial Child Molester

SACRAMENTO, CA — Republican members of the California Legislature will hold a media availability and rally Wednesday morning ahead of a Board of Parole Hearings proceeding reviewing the planned release of convicted child predator Gregory Lee Vogelsang.

Vogelsang was convicted in 1999 of dozens of child molestation charges involving five boys, including kidnapping. He received a sentence of 355 years to life in prison and has served 27 years. The Board of Parole Hearings granted him parole in November, a decision that has raised serious concerns among lawmakers and community members.

The case has renewed scrutiny of California’s Elderly Parole Program, which allows individuals age 50 and older who have served at least 20 years in prison to be considered for parole.

Assemblyman David Tangipa issued the following statement: “Someone convicted of dozens of crimes against children should never be walking free. The idea that a serial child predator could be released after only a fraction of a life sentence is outrageous. We are calling on the parole board to do the right thing and stop this release.”

The event will take place shortly before the parole board’s scheduled en banc hearing reviewing Vogelsang’s case. Legislative members will discuss legislation being introduced to prevent early release of predators.

Event Details

What: Media Availability and Rally

When: Wednesday, 8:15 a.m.

Where: 1515 K Street, Sacramento, CA

Who: Assemblyman David Tangipa

Assemblyman Josh Hoover

Assemblyman Tom Lackey

Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez

Senator Shannon Grove

Senator Brian Jones

Senator Roger Niello

Community members and victims’ advocates

Lawmakers and advocates will speak about the dangers of releasing violent sexual predators early and highlight legislative efforts to prevent sexually violent offenders from benefiting from the state’s elderly parole program.