Hit-and-run suspect was free on parole

SAN FRANCISCO » A driver accused of hitting and killing two women in a stolen car is a paroled robber who remained free despite being arrested several times in San Francisco in recent months, according to a newspaper report.

Troy McAlister, 45, was released from a state prison sentence for robbery in April and was not charged with new crimes by the District Attorney’s office after being arrested on suspicion of car theft in November and December, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin said his office did not file new charges in the cases, choosing instead to refer each case to state parole agents, who can seek to imprison those who violate the terms of their release. He said parole officials have “more leverage” than his office to keep a person in custody for nonviolent charges.

“We referred these cases to parole because we believed there was a greater likelihood of him being held accountable and having the kind of intervention that would protect the public and break this cycle of recidivism,” Boudin said.

He said parole officers did not hold McAlister “for a single day” after his most recent arrest on Dec. 20.

The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which runs parole, pointed to prosecutors’ repeated decision not to file charges.

Under California law, people accused of violating parole can be given added restrictions, treatment or punishment by parole officers. They have a right to a hearing in front of a judge and, if their parole is revoked, can spend a maximum of 180 days behind bars.

Boudin said his office will make changes to ensure that people on parole receive proper supervision and structure.