California's Elder Parole Law is a Slap in the Face to Crime Victims

California's parole board describes child predator as "excellent citizen as they look to release him back into our communities

Israel Ceja, convicted in 2000 of 20 counts of forcible rape, assault with a firearm, child endangerment, and lewd acts against his then-11-year-old stepdaughter, received a recommendation for early parole on January 29, 2026, from a two-commissioner panel under California’s Elder Parole Law. At age 63 and after serving 26½ years of a 139-year sentence, Ceja had begun abusing the girl shortly after marrying her mother in 1993; the abuse spanned nearly a decade, leading to her pregnancy (confirmed by DNA), attempts to induce miscarriage, and a 1999 incident where he pointed a loaded gun at her. The victim was absent from the virtual hearing, where the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office voiced opposition. Commissioners Neil Schneider and Letizia Pinitore deemed him no longer an unreasonable risk to public safety, citing his age, programming participation, clean record, low recidivism scores, and “authentic” parole plans—while describing him as an “excellent citizen.” Ceja admitted an attraction to young girls and said prayer was his main way of controlling those urges.

Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig condemned the decision in a March 13, 2026, letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging a review and reversal while calling the release “monstrous” and a threat to public safety. The case now awaits Newsom’s decision, as the parole board consists of his appointees. Separately, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen introduced AB 2727 to bar the most serious sex offenders from Elder Parole eligibility or raise the qualifying age and time-served requirements. This is not the first child predator recommended for release under California’s Elder Parole Law, which critics have labeled dangerous and irresponsible, with a full statement and excerpt available outlining broader concerns about the program’s risks.

California’s Elder Parole Law is Letting Another Child Predator out of Prison
Why is California’s Parole Board So Clueless and Irresponsible
By Eric Granof

Israel Ceja, convicted in 2000 of 20 counts of forcible rape along with assault with a firearm, child endangerment, and lewd acts against his 11-year-old stepdaughter, was recommended for early release on January 29, 2026, by a two-commissioner panel of California’s Board of Parole Hearings under the state’s Elder Parole Law. Ceja, who was 63 and had served 26½ years of a 139-year sentence, began abusing the victim shortly after marrying her mother in 1993; the abuse escalated over nearly a decade, resulting in her pregnancy (confirmed by DNA as his), attempts to force a miscarriage, and a 1999 incident in which he pointed a loaded gun at her.  READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE>>>