Arian Eteghaei, 24, has been sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting multiple women while he was a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Judge Von Deroian handed down the sentence on Monday. Eteghaei was convicted on January 16 following a lengthy jury trial. Jurors found him guilty of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration, and misdemeanor domestic violence. The jury also determined that the sexual offenses were committed against more than one victim.
The case involved allegations from five women who were sexually assaulted and a sixth woman who was the victim of battery.
Eteghaei's sentencing followed an earlier attempt to flee justice. Immediately after his conviction, while being escorted toward a secure holding area, Eteghaei broke free from deputies and ran toward downtown Santa Barbara. He was apprehended after a bailiff, a second officer, and two bystanders subdued him.
At the time of his escape attempt, Eteghaei was out on bail. His attorney had argued that he should remain free until sentencing.
Officials credited the victims for their courage in coming forward and testifying throughout the legal process. "This case would not have been possible without the extraordinary courage of the victims who came forward and participated in a long and difficult legal process," said a prosecutor. "Their strength and willingness to testify allowed the truth to be heard and ultimately allowed the defendant to be held accountable for the serious harm he caused." Prosecutors also expressed gratitude to the jurors for their dedicated service.
The investigation and prosecution of the case required years of persistence and support for the victims.