Controversy has erupted in Southern California as Frank Duane Brown, a 72-year-old man convicted of child rape, is set to be released from prison decades early. Brown, who in 2013 pleaded guilty to six felony counts of forced lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, has only served about 11 years of a 45-year sentence. According to a KTLA report, his release was ordered by Riverside County Superior Court Judge Scott P. Williams under the "Compassionate Release" provision of California law because of a medical diagnosis stating Brown has metastatic liver cancer.

This decision was sharply criticized by Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, who stated, "While early release has become increasingly common, it is appalling that this release was even being considered given the offender's violent crime against a child." The DA's contention highlights an ongoing struggle between legal retribution and humanitarian exceptions, perhaps to a system not entirely balanced. A victim's video testimony was released by the DA's office, where she recounts the abuses she suffered daily at the hands of Brown. It underscores the traumatic re-emergence of past horrors victims face when their abusers are prematurely released.

The DA's office has voiced concerns beyond the moral implications, questioning the validity of the evidence regarding Brown's medical condition and potential public safety risks if Brown were to be released. This skepticism was reflected in their opposition at the initial hearing, as mentioned in a statement on the DA's website, but ultimately, the judge deemed Brown eligible for release.

Hestrin's frustration with the process was palpable as he further shared his views. "Once again, the state places the victim in a traumatic situation, forcing her to fight to keep her perpetrator in prison for the sentence handed down by a court of law," Hestrin said. The DA's office has stated that opposing the early release of felons to protect victims and ensure public safety remains steadfast, a sentiment that resonates with many in the community who are disturbed by the thought that justice might be subverted by legal technicalities.

With Brown's release looming within the next 30 days, the DA's office encourages the public to express their concerns about inmate releases that could impact public safety on their website.