A former University of California, Santa Barbara student convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women has been sentenced to 30 years to life in California state prison. A jury found Arian Eteghaei, 24, guilty of forcible rape and forcible sexual penetration, along with misdemeanor domestic violence. The case drew additional attention after authorities said he escaped from courthouse custody on the day of his conviction. His prosecution unfolded amid continuing concerns about reported sexual violence at UC Santa Barbara.
The sentence follows a yearslong investigation and trial involving multiple victims who testified against Eteghaei. Prosecutors said the jury also found true a special allegation that the sexual offenses involved more than one victim. Eteghaei faces a separate felony case related to the alleged escape.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Conviction and prison sentence |
| 2) | Escape from courthouse custody |
| 3) | Years of investigation and victim testimony |
| 4) | Recent sexual assault concerns at UC Santa Barbara |
| 5) | University and law enforcement response |
Conviction and prison sentence
Eteghaei was sentenced in California after a jury convicted him of forcible rape and forcible sexual penetration involving multiple women. Jurors also convicted him of misdemeanor domestic violence and determined that the sexual offenses were committed against more than one victim. The sentence requires him to serve at least 30 years before the possibility of release under the terms imposed by the court. The crimes were prosecuted as offenses connected to his time as a student at UC Santa Barbara.
Escape from courthouse custody
Authorities said Eteghaei escaped by force while in custody on Jan. 16, the day the jury returned its verdict. The courthouse incident led to a separate prosecution, with authorities charging him in March with one felony count of escape by force. The alleged escape occurred after the jury had determined his guilt but before the case was fully resolved through sentencing. No additional details about how he allegedly fled were provided in the available account.
Years of investigation and victim testimony
The sexual assault case required years of investigation, preparation and court proceedings. Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch credited the victims for coming forward and participating in what he described as a lengthy legal process. He said their testimony allowed the facts to be presented in court and supported the defendant’s accountability.
“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.
Prosecutors also cited cooperation among law enforcement officers, investigators, prosecutors and victim advocates. The case centered on allegations involving more than one woman, resulting in the special allegation that the jury found true.
Recent sexual assault concerns at UC Santa Barbara
The conviction came as UC Santa Barbara faced renewed scrutiny over campus safety. Crime reports for 2022 through 2024 recorded more than 100 reported rapes, according to the university’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports. In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported being raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party and returning to housing in Isla Vista. The report prompted a public appeal for witnesses and a candlelight vigil supporting the survivor.
In June, campus police issued a Timely Warning after a woman reported being stalked and groped near Tierra De Fortuna Park. Police said the incident occurred during the morning on a West Campus access road after a man on a bicycle allegedly circled back several times before approaching her from behind and fleeing. The warning was the second issued by campus police in less than two months.
University and law enforcement response
UC Santa Barbara police have said federal law restricts what officials can release about active investigations, but that sworn officers fully investigate crimes reported on university property. The department said it remained in contact with the family of the May assault survivor and coordinated with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office when appropriate.
The university has been ranked the nation’s top party school by Niche for the past two years, a distinction that has formed part of the broader public discussion about student safety. The conviction, the separate courthouse escape case and recent campus warnings have kept sexual violence and law enforcement response in focus.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eteghaei received 30 years to life in California state prison. |
| 2 | He was convicted of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration and misdemeanor domestic violence. |
| 3 | Authorities charged him separately with escape by force after the Jan. 16 courthouse incident. |
| 4 | UC Santa Barbara has issued recent warnings following reported sexual assaults and other incidents. |
Summary
The sentence closes the main criminal case against a former UC Santa Barbara student convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women, while a separate escape charge remains connected to the courthouse incident. The prosecution relied on victim testimony and years of investigative work. Recent campus crime reports and warnings have intensified attention on safety at the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sentence did Arian Eteghaei receive?
He was sentenced to 30 years to life in California state prison.
What were the main convictions?
A jury convicted him of forcible rape, forcible sexual penetration and misdemeanor domestic violence. It also found true a special allegation involving more than one victim.
What happened at the courthouse?
Authorities said Eteghaei escaped by force while in custody on Jan. 16, the day of the verdict. Prosecutors later filed a separate felony escape charge.
