A notorious pedophile, Gregory Lee Vogelsang, who was convicted of kidnapping and sexually abusing children as young as 5-years-old, has been granted early release under a controversial law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite being sentenced to 355 years to life in prison for his heinous crimes in the ’90s, a parole board recently approved Vogelsang’s release.
During the parole hearing, Vogelsang admitted to his disturbing desires, stating that his obsession with young boys is “always going to be there.” He attributed his actions to the abuse he faced as a child at the hands of his father. Vogelsang confessed to keeping boys’ underwear as mementos for sexual stimulation and revealed that he still harbored sexual fantasies about young boys as recently as 2020.
The decision to release Vogelsang was made possible by a law signed by Governor Newsom in 2020, which allows inmates aged 50 and older who have served 20 or more years to be considered for parole. This law has also benefited other convicted sex offenders, sparking debate among advocates and critics alike.
Despite psychological evaluations that deemed Vogelsang a high risk to the public, the parole board decided to grant him early release. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office condemned the decision, expressing concerns about Vogelsang’s potential impact on the community.
Vogelsang’s release is pending final board review on March 18, leaving many questioning the effectiveness of the “elderly” parole program in cases of extreme sexual violence. The parole board’s decision has reignited the debate on the rehabilitation and release of convicted sex offenders, especially those with a history of preying on children.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office warned the public about Vogelsang’s impending release, emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution. The case of Gregory Lee Vogelsang serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities surrounding the parole of individuals convicted of serious sexual offenses.
