The UCSB rapist who once made a mad dash for freedom after his conviction is now staring down decades behind bars.
Arian Eteghaei, 24, was sentenced Monday to 30 years to life in state prison by Judge Von Deroian for sexually assaulting multiple women while he was a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Eteghaei was convicted January 16 after a lengthy jury trial.
Jurors found him guilty of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration and misdemeanor domestic violence.
They also found true a special allegation that the sexual offenses were committed against more than one victim.
The case involved five women who were sexually assaulted and a sixth woman who was the victim of battery when Eteghaei was a freshman.
Eteghaei’s earlier attempt to flee came immediately after the guilty verdict.
While deputies were handcuffing him and escorting him toward a secure holding area, Eteghaei suddenly took off, sprinting toward State Street in downtown Santa Barbara and reportedly shouting profanities.
A bailiff lunged for him but struggled to bring him under control.
A second officer rushed in, while two bystanders also helped pin Eteghaei to the ground.
At the time, Eteghaei was out on bail.
His attorney had argued in court that he should remain free until sentencing.
That freedom is now over.
Savrnoch credited the victims for having the courage to come forward and testify through a long and difficult legal process.
“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. 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. We are also grateful to the jurors who devoted months to carefully listening to the evidence and thoughtfully carrying out their important role in our justice system.”
“This case required years of persistence, careful investigation, and tremendous support for the victims,” Savrnoch said.
Eteghaei once tried to run from the courtroom.
Now he is headed to prison for 30 years to life.
