A Southern California man has been convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two women after being arrested while a freshman at UC Santa Barbara.
Arian Eteghaei, 23, was found guilty of the crimes committed against two women, according to the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office.
Eteghaei was arrested in 2021 while studying biology at UC Santa Barbara. He was initially charged with sexual assaults on three women, and after media coverage of the case, three more victims came forward, the Santa Barbara Independent reported.
Several female victims testified against Eteghaei at trial, including an ex-girlfriend who said she was raped and assaulted by him during a party at his Isla Vista apartment.
Arian Eteghaei, 23, is seen in a booking photo from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Eteghaei took the stand in his own defense, claiming the sexual encounters were consensual.
On Jan. 20, 2026, following a three-month trial, Eteghaei was convicted of forcible sexual penetration, misdemeanor domestic violence, and forcible rape involving two victims. The jury also confirmed that the crimes were committed against more than one victim.
“The victims in this case showed remarkable bravery by coming forward, reporting the crimes, and taking the stand to testify during this lengthy trial,” said John Savrnoch, the Santa Barbara district attorney. “Their courage made it possible for the jury to hold the defendant accountable for his actions.”
Earlier on Tuesday, while Eteghaei was being escorted across the street between courthouses in downtown Santa Barbara by sheriff’s bailiffs, he briefly escaped and ran one block to busy State Street before being tackled by bailiffs and restrained by bystanders, according to the Santa Barbara Independent.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8. Eteghaei faces 30 years to life in prison and was remanded without bail, remaining in custody pending sentencing.