The contentious early release of Oscar Ortega-Anguiano, convicted of a DUI crash that tragically ended the lives of two teenagers in Seal Beach, has various state departments and officials locked in a blame game. Ortega-Anguiano, who received a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, is set to be released from prison after serving approximately three-and-a-half years. This early release has sparked a legal and political uproar, with the Orange County District Attorney's Office, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the new U.S. Attorney all making statements about the case.
According to an ABC7 report, Paul Osokin, the father of victim Nicholay Osokin, was outraged upon learning of the scheduled early release, saying, "Ten years wasn't even enough for the death of our children. In my personal opinion, the system should work better." Ortega-Anguiano's anticipated July 2025 parole date is a result of pre-sentence credits and credit-earning opportunities while incarcerated, as confirmed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Governor Newsom's office has deflected criticism onto Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, declaring that "after being deported in 2013, this individual unlawfully re-entered the US & committed heinous crimes. A GOP DA then gave him a plea deal instead of pursuing 2nd-degree murder," as per a statement posted by the governor's press office.
However, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has vehemently denied these claims. During an official statement, Spitzer attacked the California state policies, stating, "Years of California’s crusade to put the rights of criminals over the rights of victims has resulted in the unimaginable pain." He went on to criticize the state's system of credits, alleging that it has allowed for the early release of dangerous individuals, and lamented the legislative inaction on proposed DUI law reforms.
CBS News Los Angeles also reported that in response to Ortega-Anguiano's possible release, new U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted, "My office has filed a felony immigration charge against this defendant. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted for 8 USC 1326." This action suggests that the federal government may intervene to impose additional consequences on Ortega-Anguiano immediately following his state prison term. Amidst these developments, Pavel Osokin expressed his family's pain and the perpetual fear that Ortega-Anguiano, despite possible deportation, could return and be free once more.
