15,000 California convicts released during COVID-19; at least one-third are back in prison. Here’s why

Nearly one-third of the approximately 14,800 individuals released early from California prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic have returned to incarceration, according to data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The early release initiative, aimed at reducing prison populations to curb virus transmission, has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who argue that systemic shortcomings in reentry support contributed to the recidivism.

Between April 2020 and December 2021, the CDCR expedited the release of inmates nearing the end of their sentences, primarily those convicted of nonviolent offenses. As of January 31, 2025, about 4,600 of these individuals had returned to prison. The most common reasons for re-incarceration included illegal firearm possession (14%), assault (10%), and burglary (9%).

While the majority of early releases did not result in serious offenses, a small number were involved in severe crimes post-release. For instance, Jammerieo Austin, released in April 2020 after serving time for drug-related charges, was later convicted of murder and is now serving a life sentence without parole. 

Another case involves Santiago Contreras, 44, who was released to San Diego County probation officials after serving time for stalking, vandalism, and assault. Contreras, a transgender woman, said she told prison officials she did not want to be released because she had no housing or support. "I had nowhere to go," she said. "It was hard to survive." A few months after her release, she cut off her ankle monitor. She later strangled 43-year-old Tonya Molina to death in a San Diego motel room, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. Contreras is now serving a 15-years-to-life sentence.

Critics highlight that many released individuals lacked access to essential support services, such as housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Terah Lawyer, president of the nonprofit CROP, emphasized the absence of structured support during the pandemic: "There was no funding available to pick people up from prison, bring them to housing beds that were not available, provide them with any type of case management system."

Comparatively, other states with early-release programs reported lower recidivism rates. In Oregon, a study by the state's Criminal Justice Commission found among 266 inmates released early between July and November 2020, 18% were arrested within a year, 8% were convicted of new crimes, and only 2% returned to prison. 

The CDCR has acknowledged challenges in providing rehabilitative programs. A 2018 audit revealed 62% of inmates released in fiscal year 2017–18 had not received any of the rehabilitation programs they were assessed to need, due in part to staffing shortages and limited program availability. 

In response to these issues, California has been expanding its reentry programs. The Male Community Reentry Program, for example, offers transitional housing and support services to inmates nearing release. A Stanford Public Policy study found participants in this program had a 13% lower likelihood of re-arrest and an 11% lower likelihood of reconviction compared to non-participants.

Additionally, California is investing $239 million to transform San Quentin State Prison into a rehabilitation-focused facility inspired by Scandinavian models. The revamped prison will feature vocational training, educational programs, and improved living conditions, aiming to reduce recidivism and facilitate successful reintegration into society. 

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