I am writing this petition with a heart laden with grief and despair, compounded by the uncomfortable knowledge that my own father, Kevin Ellis, is living proof of a deeply flawed system. Four times convicted for child molestation, over 100 years' sentence, the law is now enabling him to walk free. The "Compassionate Release" law, intended for terminal prison inmates, allows those with a sentence of life without parole to be set free in their last few months of life. This law, initially compassionate in nature, fails to consider victims of sexual abuse, their families, and entire communities subjected to potential harm with the release of such individuals.

Kevin Ellis is scheduled to be released in Yolo county sometime within the next 28 days. A fact which is disturbing for us, as it would be for any community unwittingly thrust into close quarters with a convicted child molester. To make matters worse, compassionate release bars the publication of the details of his release. Which means that a four time convicted child rapist will be released to some undisclosed neighborhood within Yolo county.

In the U.S., nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults affect children, a deeply alarming statistic that validates our concerns (RAINN). Even more disturbing is the recidivism rate for this type of crime. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice, sex offenders were about four times more likely than non-sex offenders to be arrested for another sex crime after their release, as Kevin Ellis has already proven in his repeat offenses. Also to be included in this is his failure to register as a sex offender and fleeing arrest upon conviction in the past. To assume that he would not do this again as his last days approach and protect him from consequences would be naive and irresponsible. The "Compassionate Release" Law is for those who have been deemed to not be a threat to society. Based on data, and this specific example of a repeat offender, Kevin Ellis cannot be deemed as "not a threat" seeing as the internet and our own community would be within his grasp again, with no accountability to what he could do with this freedom. 

We understand that everyone deserves empathy, even those incarcerated. Yet, there must be consideration for the impact on potential victims, and on victims who have to face their violators again. These are not minor offenses but life-shattering traumas that leave indelible scars on victims.

In light of this, we call on lawmakers to amend the "Compassionate Release" law. We ask that the exclusion of convicted child molesters from the law be considered, to ensure that the safety of our community, especially our children, is not compromised. We invite everyone standing in solidarity with victims of child molestation to sign this petition and advocate for change.