Convicted Child Molester Denied Parole

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate Nathan Stephens, 65 years old of Santa Rosa, was given a five-year denial of parole by the State of California Board of Parole Hearings following a contested hearing held on June 4, 2024, at North Kern State Prison.

Stephens is currently serving a one hundred and thirty-four-year prison sentence for the continuous sexual assault of three children under the age of fourteen who the inmate had repeated access to over a period of five years. Stephens was convicted by jury in 1992 of twenty separate counts and sentenced to the maximum term allowable. At the time of his sentence, Stephens was not eligible for parole consideration until 2059. However, under recently passed legislation, Stephens became eligible for an early hearing based upon his “elderly status,” and as such, applied for early release. Sonoma County Deputy District Attorney Tania Partida appeared on behalf of Sonoma County and argued that Stephens should remain confined as he continues to pose a danger to the community despite his age. Following the hearing, the board determined that Stephens would continue to pose an unreasonable risk to society if released early and denied his petition. He will be eligible the re-apply in 2029.

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “We completely concur with the Board’s decision to deny release to this inmate as he remains a clear threat to the community should he be released. These were appalling acts committed against young children. We supported and advocated for the initial prison sentence and believe that it’s unfortunate that this individual even has the opportunity to be before the parole board at this time.”

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