Full Breakdown
Former UCSB Student Sentenced to 30 Years-to-Life for Multiple Sexual Assaults
8/13/2026, 5:51:44 AM
Sentencing Details
Arian Eteghaei, a former University of California, Santa Barbara student, was sentenced in August 2026 by Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Von Deroian to a term of 30 years to life in state prison. The sentence follows his conviction on January 16, 2026 of two felony sexual-assault offenses—forced rape and forced sexual penetration—and a misdemeanor domestic-violence charge. The jury also found that the sexual offenses were committed against more than one victim.
Trial Background
Eteghaei’s case proceeded after an initial arraignment in 2021 and culminated in a nearly five-year trial. Two victims testified, and the prosecution presented evidence that linked the assaults to multiple survivors. The trial concluded with a guilty verdict on all charges, and the sentencing reflects the severity of the offenses and the presence of multiple victims.
Official Statements & Responses
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch praised the victims’ willingness to testify, noting that their courage enabled the truth to be heard and held the defendant accountable. He also highlighted the collaborative effort of senior deputy district attorney Lauren Franco, University of California Police Department Sergeant Arlene Samaniego, former detective Kovena Avila, and investigators Chad Hunt and Judi Estrada. The Victim Witness Bureau, including advocates Lourdes Negrete and Tiffany Carty, was credited for providing ongoing support to the survivors throughout the process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every survivor who participated in this case exhibited an immense amount of courage and bravery by coming forward,” — Lauren Franco, deputy district attorney
- “I am proud to have helped them get the justice they deserved.” — District Attorney John Savrnoch, county district attorney
- “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,” — John T. Savrnoch, county district attorney
