Cain Velasquez attorney reacts to ‘bittersweet’ prison sentence

Cain Velasquez’s legal team feels a mix of emotions coming out of their client’s sentencing.

Over three years after his arrest on attempted murder and other charges, Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence in Santa Clara County court Monday in San Jose, Calif.. The sentence will be reduced by time served.

Lead Velasquez defense attorney Renee Hessling asked Judge Arthur Bocanegra during Monday’s hearing for no prison time, while the district attorney’s office requested 25 years to life.

Hessling told MMA Junkie shortly after the verdict that she was disappointed Velasquez will have to serve time, but was optimistic about his future.

“Today’s results are bittersweet — we had hoped Mr. Velasquez would remain out of jail,” Hessling said in a written statement Monday. “However, the facts remain clear: Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community. What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare—one they did not deserve.

“Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines. When he is released, he will continue to lead by example—protecting, contributing, and caring for the people around him.”

Velasquez, 42, was immediately taken into custody following the reading of the decision, so he has not yet released a statement himself. However, he openly accepted responsibility for his actions prior to Bocanegra’s final decision and said he would take whatever punishment came his way on the chin. He’d initially pleaded not guilty to charges, but changed to a no contest.

The charges stemmed from a Feb. 28, 2022 incident when Velasquez drove his truck in a high-speed pursuit of another vehicle. Velasquez fired a handgun at the vehicle, which was later revealed to be carrying Goularte and family, who ran the daycare Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son attended. Goularte had been arrested days prior for allegedly molesting the young boy repeatedly.

The gunfire from Velasquez penetrated the Goularte’s vehicle and struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, causing an injury to the man’s arm. The Goularte family has repeatedly voiced fear for their lives.

Outside the courthouse after the verdict, Patricia Goularte and Bender spoke to reporters.

“The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis,” Patricia Goularte said. “It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that as we do have ample amount of evidence to do that. It’s sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”

Goularte is set for a June 2 trial start and has pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor.

Santa Clara County district attorney Jeff Rosen issued a written reaction statement Monday to MMA Junkie in which he discouraged vigilante-esque justice.

“One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands left an innocent man wounded and endangered schoolchildren, teachers, and many others in our community,” Rosen said. “If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”