Arian Eteghaei, 24, was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2026, to 30 years to life after a jury convicted him of multiple sexual assaults while he attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. Jurors convicted him on Jan. 16 of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration and misdemeanor domestic violence, and found a special allegation that the offenses involved more than one victim to be true. After the verdict, Eteghaei attempted to flee the courthouse but was quickly restrained by officers and bystanders. Prosecutors praised the victims and jurors for their persistence in a lengthy legal process that produced the convictions.
UCSB Student Arian Eteghaei Sentenced To 30 Years To Life After Courtroom Escape Attempt
Arian Eteghaei, 24, was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2026, to 30 years to life in California state prison after a jury convicted him of multiple sexual assaults while he was a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Eteghaei was sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison on Aug. 10, 2026. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Von Deroian imposed the sentence following a months-long trial that culminated in guilty verdicts on Jan. 16. Jurors found Eteghaei guilty of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration and misdemeanor domestic violence, and sustained a special allegation that the offenses involved more than one victim.
UC Santa Barbara experiences significant issues with sexual and interpersonal violence. UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The prosecution said the case involved five women who were sexually assaulted and a sixth woman who suffered battery while Eteghaei was a freshman at UCSB. The convictions followed extensive testimony and a careful review of evidence presented over the course of the trial.
His attorney had argued in court that he should remain free until sentencing. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Immediately after the guilty verdict was read, deputies began escorting Eteghaei toward a secure holding area. Courtroom footage and eyewitness accounts show he suddenly sprinted toward State Street in downtown Santa Barbara and shouted profanities. A bailiff tried to tackle him but struggled to gain control; a second officer and two bystanders helped subdue and restrain him until deputies re-secured him. At the time, Eteghaei had been out on bail pending sentencing.
After the verdict, he escaped from bailiffs outside the Santa Barbara courthouse but was quickly captured. stock.adobe.com
"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," Savrnoch said, thanking the victims and jurors for their roles in securing the conviction.
Prosecutors credited years of investigation, persistence and victim support with bringing the matter to trial. With the current sentence, Eteghaei will serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about sexual and interpersonal violence on college campuses and the legal and support efforts required to pursue accountability for survivors.
Help us improve.
