District Attorney Mike Hestrin of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office expressed outrage over the state Board of Parole Hearings' decision to grant early parole to a convicted child rapist, Cody Woodsen Klemp. Now 29 years into a 170-year prison sentence, Klemp, aged 67, is eligible for parole under the Elderly Parole Program and could be released on or before March 15, 2024. This action takes place in Riverside County where Hestrin has vowed to appeal against the decision.
"This is a devastating blow to victims, and our office will continue to fight on their behalf. Although this practice of early release is far from unusual these days, considering the inmate’s particularly violent criminal history, and admissions to the parole board itself, it is shocking that such a release would be considered." said Mike Hestrin.
Let's look at Klemp's past convictions to understand the gravity of his offenses. According to a press release issued by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, in 1994, Klemp was convicted of 40 felonies: 20 counts of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a child, 10 counts of rape and 10 counts of forced oral copulation on a child. The victim was Klemp's 14-year-old niece who had been placed in his care in 1990.
Now let us delve into the specifics regarding eligibility for parole under California law. According to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation fact sheet, inmates may qualify for parole under the Elderly Parole Program at age 50 years or older after serving continuous years. When deciding to release early, the Board of Parole Hearings weighs whether age, time served and diminished physical condition have reduced an inmate's risk of violence.
Let's consider what factors played into Klemp's potential early release. According to the press release, Klemp’s Elderly Parole Program hearing was heard by the Board of Parole Hearings on Nov. 8. In its decision to grant parole, the board took into consideration Klemp’s "low risk for violence," age and marketable skills.
Lastly, we will discuss how the Riverside District Attorney's Office plans to respond to this controversial decision. According to the press release, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, which prosecuted Klemp in this case (CR50622), will appeal the Board of Parole Hearings' decision. The office also said it will send a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom to request a hearing reconsidering Klemp's release.