Convicted Child Predator Denied Parole
On November 5, 2024, via a virtual hearing, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Cameron Byars, age 56, who is currently serving a life sentence for child molestation. This was his second such hearing.
In April 2003, Byars pleaded no contest to the felony abuse of four male minors under the age of 14. The crimes were committed between 1996 and 2002 in the Porterville area. Byars was sentenced to 30 years-to-life in prison. He is currently incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison.
In 2023, Byars was granted his first parole hearing under penal code section 3055, an elder parole provision created through Assembly Bill 3234 and signed into law by Governor Newsom in 2020. This law allows inmates aged 50 and older who have been continuously incarcerated for 20 years to receive parole consideration with limited exceptions. At that hearing, Byars was also denied for 3-years, but successfully petitioned for an accelerated second hearing.
“This is why TCDA prosecutors will continue to be present at these hearings and argue for the safety of our communities,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward.
At Tuesday’s hearing, commissioners noted Byars’ continued threat to public safety. The Office of the District Attorney regularly attends life parole hearings, and a supervising deputy district attorney argued against the inmate’s release.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494