Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez, already imprisoned for five years after pleading no contest to charges including attempted murder, continues to face legal repercussions from a 2022 car chase incident.
During a recent court hearing, Velasquez`s attorney, Renee Hessling, addressed the issue of restitution – financial compensation sought by the victims. Velasquez himself was not present at the hearing.
While the judge postponed the hearing to June 3rd, Hessling indicated that significant disagreements remain regarding the amount of restitution, citing the victims` demands as excessive.
“The victims in this case are asking for a very high sum of money,” Hessling stated in court, arguing the defense believes this amount to be unjustified and intends to challenge it.
California law mandates restitution for victims in such crimes, but the exact amount Velasquez will be required to pay is still under dispute.
Velasquez`s prison sentence stems from an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of Harry Goularte, who was accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s young son at a daycare owned by Goularte`s mother. During the chase, Velasquez fired shots at the vehicle, injuring Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening wounds.
Goularte is facing separate charges related to the alleged abuse, with his next court appearance also scheduled for June. Velasquez’s family has also filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte and the daycare.
Looking ahead to the restitution hearing, Hessling emphasized the need for further information from the victims before reaching an agreement on the final amount Velasquez will owe.
Hessling mentioned several unresolved issues that may need to be litigated in court if no agreement is reached.
“It is clear that Mr. Velasquez owes restitution,” Hessling acknowledged. “However, some claims, such as a $1 million demand related to their daycare, are being contested.”
Hessling expressed optimism that some points could be agreed upon, narrowing down the contested issues.
Prosecutor Aaron French noted that the victims have hired their own attorney for the restitution hearing and are hoping for a quick resolution.
“The victims are anxious to move forward,” French said, expressing hope that the defense would obtain necessary documents by the next court date to facilitate a hearing soon after.
Judge Elizabeth C. Peterson scheduled the next court date for June 3rd to set a date for the restitution hearing itself.
Cain Velasquez is currently incarcerated at Wasco State Prison in California and could be eligible for parole as early as March 2026.
