Assemblyman Josh Hoover announces the Parole Board’s decision to delay Gregory Vogelsang’s release in this video update from his Facebook page.

By Dean Maddox, Public Safety & Crime Reporter

In a significant victory for public safety and community advocacy, Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and a coalition of lawmakers, law enforcement, and victims’ advocates successfully pressured the California Board of Parole Hearings to delay the release of sexually violent predator Gregory Vogelsang.

On March 18, 2026, following an emotional hearing before the full parole board and a morning rally organized by Hoover, the board voted to refer Vogelsang’s previously granted elderly parole to a rescission hearing within the next six months. This decision halts his impending release and opens the door to potentially rescinding or postponing parole entirely.

Vogelsang, 57, was convicted in Sacramento County in 1999 on dozens of counts, including forcible lewd acts, kidnapping, and molesting at least six young boys aged 5 to 11 in Citrus Heights—Hoover’s district. He used grooming tactics like building trust with parents, hosting sleepovers, and buying gifts before committing the crimes. Sentenced to 355 years to life, he served 27 years before the Elderly Parole Program (for inmates 50+ with 20+ years served) recommended his release in November 2025.

Risk assessments showed Vogelsang still harbors “sick desires,” with fantasies about young boys continuing into 2020, and placed him at higher risk than 80% of sex offenders. Sacramento DA Thien Ho, Sheriff Jim Cooper, and victims’ groups decried the decision as outrageous, arguing it endangers children and re-traumatizes survivors.

Hoover took the lead. He pushed for the full-board en banc review, then organized the 8 a.m. rally outside the parole board offices at 1515 K Street. Dozens gathered with signs reading “PROTECT OUR KIDS” and “CHILD PREDATORS BEHIND BARS.” Joined by Republican colleagues including Assemblymen Tom Lackey, David Tangipa, and Jeff Gonzalez, plus Senators Brian Jones, Shannon Grove, and Roger Niello, they demanded accountability.

At the rally, Hoover announced AB 2570 (co-authored with Lackey) to raise the elderly parole eligibility age from 50 to 65, and highlighted other reforms to exclude violent sex offenders from the program. He slammed the system: “The early release of child molesters into our community is the direct result of California’s broken policies that fail to protect our kids.”

The public outcry worked. Testimony from over 40 attendees, along with calls, emails, and media attention, made the difference. The board did not rubber-stamp the release. Hoover called it a “huge win for public safety,” crediting the community’s voice for forcing the delay.

The backlash has also prompted Governor Newsom to consider adjustments to the Elderly Parole Program, potentially excluding sexually violent predators. Hoover continues pushing: change the law so dangerous criminals don’t walk free just because they reach a certain age.

This outcome underscores that persistent advocacy can hold predators accountable and prioritize victims over early releases. The rescission hearing in the coming months will be critical. Hoover and supporters plan to stay vigilant to ensure Vogelsang remains behind bars.