Cain Velasquez Case Sparks Debate on Vigilantism in Justice System

Person concealing a handgun in waistband.

Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to shoot his son’s alleged molester, raising questions about vigilante justice while the accused child predator remains free awaiting trial.

Quick Takes

  • Cain Velasquez received a 5-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to attempted murder charges from a 2022 incident where he chased and fired at his 4-year-old son’s alleged molester.
  • Having already served over 3 years in jail, Velasquez will likely serve less than 2 additional years in prison.
  • Harry Goularte, who allegedly molested Velasquez’s son “100 times” at a daycare facility, remains free under GPS monitoring while awaiting his June trial.
  • The judge showed visible emotion during sentencing, acknowledging the case’s uniqueness and stating that Velasquez poses no danger to public safety.
  • The incident has sparked intense debate in the MMA community and beyond about parental protective instincts versus legal boundaries.

A Father’s Rage Meets The Justice System

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison after attempting to shoot Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting his 4-year-old son. The incident occurred in March 2022 when Velasquez, 42, pursued a pickup truck containing Goularte and two others through Morgan Hill, California. During the 11-mile high-speed chase, Velasquez rammed the vehicle and fired multiple shots, striking Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm and torso. The shooting happened near a charter school as students were leaving for the day, adding to the severity of the charges against Velasquez.

Court documents revealed that investigators found searches on Velasquez’s phone related to families retaliating in sexual assault cases. Prosecutors initially sought a 30-year to life sentence for Velasquez, who had pleaded no contest to attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. His defense team requested probation and time served. Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra ultimately decided on a 5-year sentence, noting Velasquez’s lack of prior criminal record and demonstration of remorse. With credit for 1,283 days already served, Velasquez will likely serve less than two additional years behind bars.

A Judge’s Emotional Decision

Judge Arthur Bocanegra delivered the sentence with visible emotion, at times reportedly having “tears in his eyes” during the proceedings. The judge acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the case while explaining his decision to impose a sentence far less than what prosecutors had requested. Bocanegra specifically noted that the circumstances surrounding the case were unlike any other he had presided over, and that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating factors in determining an appropriate punishment.

“This is a tragic case,” Judge Bocanegra stated during sentencing. “Mr. Velasquez is not a danger to public safety. This case is unique and unlike any other case this court has presided over. The mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating factors.”

The judge also recognized the impact of Velasquez’s imprisonment on his family, particularly his children. “Punishment comes in many ways, and one of the worst is forcing a father to not be present in his child’s life,” Bocanegra observed during the sentencing. Before being taken into custody, Velasquez was granted a moment with his family, a brief but emotional reprieve before beginning his prison term. Throughout the legal proceedings, Velasquez has maintained a composed demeanor and has expressed acceptance of whatever punishment the court deemed appropriate.

The Alleged Molester Awaits His Day In Court

While Velasquez begins serving his sentence, Harry Goularte remains free under GPS monitoring as he awaits his June trial on charges of lewd acts with a minor. Goularte has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he molested Velasquez’s son on “multiple occasions” at a daycare facility operated by his mother in San Martin, California. According to court documents, Velasquez’s son told investigators that Goularte had taken him into the bathroom and molested him “100 times,” prompting the criminal charges against Goularte and the subsequent civil lawsuit filed by the Velasquez family.

Prosecutors had objected to Goularte’s release pending trial, but he was nevertheless granted freedom with monitoring requirements. This disparity in treatment—with Velasquez imprisoned while Goularte remains free—has fueled significant controversy and debate. The Velasquez family has also pursued civil action against the Goularte family and their businesses. The civil lawsuit seeks damages related to the alleged abuse and aims to hold accountable not only Goularte himself but also those who operated the facility where the alleged incidents occurred.

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