In a Santa Clara County courtroom, Judge Arthur Bocanegra became visibly emotional as he sentenced former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to five years in prison on Monday.
Reports indicate that Judge Bocanegra`s voice faltered when addressing Velasquez after he pleaded no contest to attempted murder and other charges. These charges stemmed from a 2022 incident where Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s young son at a daycare facility run by Goularte`s mother.
During the chase, Velasquez discharged several rounds from a .40 caliber handgun, inadvertently hitting Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Despite prosecutors requesting a 30-years-to-life sentence, Judge Bocanegra disagreed emphatically, stating that depriving a father of his child`s presence is a severe form of punishment.
In his sentencing decision, the judge considered various factors, recognizing Velasquez as the offender in the attempted murder case, but also acknowledging his family as victims due to the child molestation allegations involving his son.
Judge Bocanegra also emphasized Velasquez`s lack of prior criminal history and his expressed remorse for his actions in February 2022.
“This is a tragic case,” Judge Bocanegra stated, according to reports. “Mr. Velasquez does not pose a threat to public safety.”
“This case is unique and unlike any other this court has overseen. The mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating ones.”
Velasquez was initially detained for eight months after his arrest, with bail repeatedly denied by a different judge.
Judge Bocanegra ultimately granted Velasquez bail, imposing house arrest, an ankle monitor, and restrictions on work and travel.
Taking into account his prior jail time and house arrest, Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days served, likely reducing his actual prison time to under two years.
Following the sentencing, Velasquez was briefly allowed to spend time with his family before being taken into custody.
