In a Santa Clara County court, Judge Arthur Bocanegra became emotional while sentencing former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to five years in prison on Monday.
Reports indicate the judge`s voice trembled as he addressed 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 chase after Harry Goularte. Goularte was accused of molesting Velasquez`s young son at a daycare owned by Goularte`s mother.
During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots from a .40 caliber handgun. One of these shots struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
Prosecutors had requested a sentence of 30 years to life. However, Judge Bocanegra strongly disagreed, stating that a significant punishment for Velasquez was already the forced absence from his child`s life.
Judge Bocanegra considered various factors in his sentencing decision. While Velasquez was the perpetrator in the attempted murder case, the judge acknowledged Velasquez`s family as victims due to the allegations of child molestation against his son.
The judge also highlighted that Velasquez had no prior criminal record and had expressed remorse for his actions in February 2022.
“This is a tragic case,” Judge Bocanegra stated in court. “Mr. Velasquez is not a danger to public safety.”
“This case is unique and unlike any other case this court has presided over. The mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating factors.”
Following his arrest, Velasquez was initially detained for eight months, with bail repeatedly denied by a different judge.
Judge Bocanegra eventually granted Velasquez bail, imposing house arrest, an ankle monitor, and restrictions on work and travel.
Considering the time already served in jail and under house arrest, Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days towards his sentence, likely reducing his remaining prison time to less than two years.
After sentencing, Velasquez was briefly allowed to be with his family before being taken into custody.
