Sergio Venegas, a convicted serial rapist, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
RELATED: Convicted rapist found guilty of sexual assault in SW Bakersfield, faces life sentence
The 62-year-old had previously served 30 years for a rape committed in 1989. Within months of his release, Venegas attempted another assault.
According to Bakersfield police, in May 2022, Venegas attacked a woman on the 4600 block of Ming Avenue, pulling a knife on her and dragging her behind bushes. Although he sexually assaulted her, she managed to escape and seek help. Venegas was apprehended the same night, wearing an ankle monitor and in possession of items stolen from the victim.
During the sentencing, Venegas remained calm and declined to speak when prompted by the judge.
RELATED: Judge determines convicted rapist must stand trial
Emotional victim statements were presented, including one read by an advocate: “I enjoyed walking outdoors and the times I’ve had since the attack, I’ve struggled to do so without feeling on edge.” The victim added, “(Venegas) shouldn’t be a reason others don’t make it home safely.”
Christine Antonios, the prosecutor in the case, stated, “Just the absolute terror that he has inflicted on this victim and on society, life without parole is the right sentence here.”
Judge David Zulfa remarked, “This is a situation, a set of circumstances that not only affects those two victims but quite frankly affects our entire community and I think that is significant and important to consider.”
Antonios further commented, “This is somebody that society had convicted previously in 1999, and sent to prison. We had hoped that he could rehabilitate, learn his lesson, and not victimize somebody else. And none of those things happened.”