San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announces that the California Board of Parole Hearings has denied parole to convicted serial rapist Christopher Chessman for the maximum 15 years, an extraordinarily rare outcome achieved through the SJCDA's strong opposition and a survivor’s courageous testimony.

In 2012, the San Joaquin County DA’s Office secured convictions against Chessman for four counts of forcible rape against four victims, prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau, resulting in a lengthy sentence. Eligible for parole after 15 years due to his age at the time of the crimes, Chessman has shown no rehabilitation: gang involvement, multiple rules violations, new sexual offense conviction (adding 32 months to his sentence), and high-risk assessments for future violence.

The 15-year denial was propelled by a victim’s powerful impact statement detailing disturbing ongoing threats, leading commissioners to report the conduct for investigation and praise her bravery. In a system where three-year denials are standard, this marked a historic shift.

“This maximum denial shows what happens when we stand firmly with victims and keep fighting for our community’s safety,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “When a survivor or loved one steps up to tell their story at these hearings, it dramatically increases the chances of keeping dangerous people behind bars, often by more than 80%.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is grateful to Deputy District Attorney Kibbe Day for handling the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau for the original prosecution, and Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Nakagawa for victim support.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's  Office leads in victim-centered justice, protecting our community.