A former UC Santa Barbara student has been convicted of serious sexual crimes, sending shockwaves through the campus community.
Arian Eteghaei, 23, was found guilty of misdemeanor domestic violence and forcible rape against two women, stemming from incidents that occurred while he was a freshman.
His three-month-long trial revealed harrowing details of the assaults, bringing to light the courage of the victims who came forward.
Timeline of Arrest and Charges
Eteghaei, a biology student at UCSB, was initially arrested in 2021 during his first year of college.
At first, he faced charges related to the sexual assault of three women.
However, after media coverage of the case, three additional women stepped forward, bringing the total number of allegations to 17.
Although the jury convicted him on only three counts, they confirmed that the crimes involved multiple victims.
Testimonies and Trial Highlights
Several victims, including one of Eteghaei’s ex-girlfriends, testified against him, recounting assaults that occurred during a party at his apartment.
In court, Eteghaei denied the allegations, claiming that the encounters were consensual.
Santa Barbara District Attorney John Savrnoch praised the bravery of the victims, saying, “Their courage made it possible for the jury to hold the defendant accountable for his actions.”
He also acknowledged the dedication of the officials involved in the case.
Legal Debate Over Custody
Between his arrest and conviction, Eteghaei was allowed to remain out of custody under electronic monitoring.
His defense attorney, Leonard Levine, argued that he should stay free until sentencing, emphasizing that Eteghaei did not have a passport and posed no flight risk.
Deputy District Attorney Lauren Franco strongly disagreed, pointing out that the severity of the convictions increased the likelihood he might try to escape.
The judge sided with the prosecution and ordered Eteghaei into custody immediately.
Daring Escape Attempt
In a dramatic turn of events, Eteghaei attempted to flee custody the very same day he was ordered to be held.
While being escorted across the street between courthouses, he ran onto a busy street one block away, shouting profanities.
Fortunately, sheriff’s bailiffs, assisted by bystanders, quickly tackled and restrained him.
Authorities have not yet clarified whether Eteghaei will face additional charges for the escape attempt.
Sentencing and Future Outlook
Eteghaei’s sentencing is set for April 8, 2026, at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, with Judge Von Deorian presiding.
Until then, he will remain in custody without bail.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, he faces a potential sentence ranging from 30 years to life in state prison.
The community now waits to see how justice will be fully served in this high-profile case.
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