FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — An Oroville cult leader sentenced to 225 years to life in prison for sexually abusing young girls could become eligible for parole in about 20 years under California’s Elderly Parole Program, a possibility that is drawing criticism from some state lawmakers.
Earlier this week, a Butte County jury convicted 58-year-old Sansue Vang on multiple sex crime charges, including eight counts of child molestation and three counts of rape involving girls and women within the religious organization he led.
Prosecutors said Vang founded the group in Wisconsin before relocating followers to several locations, including Fresno, and eventually settling in Oroville. Followers referred to him as a “prophet.”
The case has ties to Fresno, where four additional victims came forward with allegations against Vang during the investigation.
Although Vang was sentenced to 225 years to life in prison, California’s Elderly Parole Program allows certain inmates to be considered for parole once they reach age 50 and have served at least 20 years behind bars.
Because Vang is currently 58 years old, he could be eligible to appear before a parole board at age 78.
“That does not mean that he would necessarily get parole at that date,” Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said.
Still, the possibility has sparked concern among some Republican lawmakers, including State Sen. Brian Jones and State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, who have criticized the state’s parole policies.
State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and State Sen. Tony Strickland have also voiced concerns about the program, arguing public safety should take precedence when considering the release of violent offenders.
“I think the most central role of government is public safety, and allowing these folks to get out on parole will make us less safe as they go out into our neighborhoods and our communities,” Strickland said.
Strickland is also calling for changes to the state’s Board of Parole Hearings following the recent release of convicted child predator David Allen Funston, who is now living in Fresno after being granted parole despite admitting he remains sexually attracted to young girls.
“The board in general, I think every one of them should be fired because they’re out of touch,” Strickland said.
The senator criticized the California Senate’s recent vote to reappoint five commissioners to the Board of Parole Hearings, calling the decision reckless.
“We need different makeup in the Legislature and we need a new governor who doesn’t appoint parole people to let people like this out on the street that admit that they still find children attractive,” Strickland added.
Butte County prosecutors argued throughout the trial that Vang used his position as a religious leader to groom and manipulate female followers for his own sexual gratification. Prosecutors also said Vang showed little remorse and failed to take responsibility for his actions.
The district attorney’s office said those findings are now part of the official record and will be considered if Vang ever appears before a parole board.
Supporters of reforming California’s parole policies say the state should do more to prevent violent sex offenders from becoming eligible for early release programs. Several Republican lawmakers have backed efforts to change parole laws following recent controversial releases.
State Sen. Shannon Grove, who has criticized decisions by the Board of Parole Hearings, recently said, “Sympathizing with child predators who openly admit they are still sexually attracted to children is not a mere policy disagreement — it is a serious dereliction of duty and should be grounds for immediate removal.”
For now, Vang remains in state prison, but the debate over whether offenders convicted of serious sex crimes should ever be eligible for parole is likely to continue in Sacramento.