California Senator Calls for Policy Reform After Early Release of DUI Manslaughter Convict

California State Senator Tony Strickland is advocating for significant policy reforms in the state’s justice system following the controversial planned early release of Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, an undocumented immigrant convicted in a 2021 DUI manslaughter case that tragically claimed the lives of two Orange County teenagers. Strickland, a Republican representing the district where the incident occurred in Seal Beach, believes that the current in-prison credit system and other related programs require urgent reevaluation to ensure public safety and accountability.

The case of Ortega-Anguiano has ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at California’s sentencing and early release policies. Ortega-Anguiano was initially sentenced to a 10-year prison term for the deaths of 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. However, due to the state’s in-prison credit system, he was slated to be released after serving only three and a half years. The planned early release sparked outrage among the victims’ families and the wider community, prompting intervention from federal authorities.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stepped in to prevent Ortega-Anguiano’s release, initiating federal prosecution to keep him incarcerated for a longer period. This intervention highlighted the concerns surrounding California’s early release policies, particularly in cases involving serious crimes and undocumented immigrants.

Senator Strickland has been vocal in his criticism of the current system. He argues that programs like the in-prison credit system, while intended to incentivize rehabilitation, can inadvertently jeopardize public safety by allowing dangerous criminals to return to the community prematurely.

"We need to reform these programs. We need to reform some of this," Strickland stated in an interview. "Again, I think the most essential role of government is public safety, and we need to bring accountability back into our system here in California. If you make a mistake, you commit a crime. You should do the time. And again, we are not more safe by these programs, we’re less safe."

Strickland emphasized that the planned early release was deeply disrespectful to the victims and their families. "It was a slap in the face of the parents and everybody who loved those children who ended up passing away," he said.

The details of the tragic incident are particularly disturbing. In November 2021, Ortega-Anguiano, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour on the 405 freeway in Orange County, crashed into a car driven by Varfolomeev and Osokin. The impact resulted in a fiery crash that killed both teenagers. Ortega-Anguiano was subsequently convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the spring of 2022.

The victims’ families were reportedly informed of Ortega-Anguiano’s impending early release on Easter Sunday, adding to their grief and outrage. News of the planned release quickly spread, generating widespread condemnation.

Following public outcry and media attention, the DOJ announced its decision to pursue federal charges against Ortega-Anguiano to ensure he remains behind bars for a longer duration.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) defended its in-prison credit system, stating that inmates can earn credits for participating in rehabilitative programming, which can lead to earlier parole dates. However, critics argue that this system can be manipulated and that it does not adequately consider the severity of the crimes committed.

ICE revealed that Ortega-Anguiano had a history of illegally entering the United States and had a prior criminal record before the fatal crash. This information further fueled the debate about immigration enforcement and the potential risks associated with releasing undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds.

Senator Strickland expressed his dismay at the lack of response from Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento regarding the concerns surrounding early release policies. He accused the Democratic supermajority of being "tone-deaf" and criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for allegedly prioritizing national political ambitions over his responsibilities as governor of California.

"I haven’t heard anything. The supermajority is tone-deaf, and the governor, Newsom, is so busy about running for president, he’s not doing his job as governor of California. He’s so interested in what’s going on in the Trump administration," Strickland stated.

Despite his criticism, Strickland expressed optimism that California residents are becoming increasingly aware of the problems within the state’s government. He believes that this growing awareness will create an opportunity for leaders to emerge and address the challenges facing California.

"The good news is people are now waking up to the lack of leadership and they’re waiting to hear leaders to come forward to help turn the state around. I do believe California will be golden again, but it takes leadership and people like myself and others in the legislature to point this out," Strickland concluded.

Governor Newsom’s office responded to the controversy by stating that California would coordinate with ICE to transfer Ortega-Anguiano before his release. This pledge suggests a willingness to address concerns related to undocumented immigrants with criminal records, but critics argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The case has intensified the ongoing debate about immigration policy, criminal justice reform, and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Senator Strickland and others are determined to push for legislative changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of California residents while ensuring that those who commit serious crimes are held accountable for their actions. The tragic deaths of Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and the need for effective policies to prevent such tragedies from happening again. The push for reform is expected to continue in the coming months as lawmakers grapple with these complex and pressing issues.