The California Board of Parole Hearings has approved the release of a convicted rapist, Cody Woodsen Klemp, after he served 29 years of his 170-year sentence. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is raising concerns about this decision.
Klemp, now 67 years old, was convicted in 1994 of 40 felonies related to the repeated rape of his 14-year-old niece. Shockingly, despite his previous rape convictions, the niece was placed under Klemp’s care. She eventually managed to escape his home in Moreno Valley and informed her therapist about the abuse, leading to a criminal investigation.
At the time of the investigation, Klemp was already in custody on domestic violence charges. Multiple counts of sexual abuse were added to his charges, and he was sentenced to 170 years in prison. However, he became eligible for parole due to his age and time served under the Elderly Parole Program.
The Elderly Parole Program takes into account an inmate’s age, time served, and physical condition when determining the likelihood of committing future violent crimes. Despite Klemp’s previous rape convictions in 1976 and 1981, the parole board deemed him suitable for parole based on his age, marketable skills, and “low risk for violence.”
The District Attorney’s Office stated that Klemp could be released from prison by March 2024 if the Parole Board’s decision stands. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin expressed his dismay, calling the decision a “devastating blow to victims.” He emphasized that considering Klemp’s violent criminal history and his own admissions to the parole board, it is shocking that his release is being considered.
Hestrin announced that the District Attorney’s Office plans to appeal the decision and will write to California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a hearing to reconsider Klemp’s release. This move aims to protect the rights and safety of potential victims.
It is evident that this decision has sparked outrage and concern among authorities. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is taking action to prevent the release of a convicted rapist with a disturbing history.
