Serial Predator Denied Parole

On March 5, 2026, a California parole board issued a 3-year denial of parole for Steven Richard Williams, age 62. Williams is currently serving a life sentence at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla for crimes against children.

In late 2000, Williams assaulted three male victims under the age of 14 at locations in Tulare County. The assaults were videotaped. In April 2001, Williams pleaded no contest to the assaults and was sentenced to three sentences of 15 years to life.

William’s criminal history began in 1981 when he was convicted of drug possession. A decade later in 1991, Williams was convicted in Arizona for furnishing obscene materials to a 12-year-old male victim. Prior to that trial, Williams fled to Mexico and was found guilty in absentia. While in Mexico, Williams allegedly found work as a teacher and later re-entered the United States undetected using an alias. Upon any potential release from California incarceration, Williams must serve his sentence for his crime in Arizona.

Despite a formidable sentence by the court, current California provisions concerning elder parole allow for this inmate to be considered for parole. In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3234, a bill by the legislature that modified the penal code to lower the age of elder parole qualification to those aged 50 or older who have served 20 years or more of continuous incarceration.

This was William’s first hearing in front of parole commissioners after having voluntarily waved the right to a hearing in September 2022.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494