Both parties agree: Cain Velasquez will have to pay restitution. The question is how much.
During a court hearing Wednesday, which Velasquez did not attend, attorney Renee Hessling and District Attorney’s office representative Aaron French asked judge Elizabeth C. Peterson for a continuance of a restitution setting hearing. Peterson granted their request and continued the matter until June 3.
Hessling indicated, however, that another continuance was likely. While both she and French voiced optimism the contested items can be narrowed down, Hessling said there are some items that will likely require litigation due to the vast difference in opinion.
“The victims in this case are seeking an exorbitant amount of money,” Hessling said. “The defense’s position is that it’s unreasonable, so we do intend on litigating this. … I think there is definitely restitution owed by Mr. Velasquez here. However, there are some claims that he owes money for their daycare, and they are asking for $1 million on that end. That is certainly something we are litigating.”
French indicated the victims, Harry Goularte and family, will be represented by their personal attorney at the next hearing. He indicated the Goularte family is eager for final closure on Velasquez’s criminal case.
“The victims are eager to move past this chapter in their life, so hopefully the defense will have the documents they’re seeking by the next court date, and we can set it for a hearing following that,” French said.
Velasquez, 42, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence retroactive to his February 2022 arrest. Velasquez pleaded no contest to a litany of charges, including attempted murder, after he shot at Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son at a daycare. Velasquez struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm resulting in non life-threatening injury.
Velasquez was sentenced on March 24 and will be eligible for parole in March 2026, though his coach, Javier Mendez, recently indicated his friends and family are optimistic he will be released sooner.
Velasquez served approximately nine months incarcerated from the time of his arrest until he was granted $1 million bail in November 2022. He was placed under other restrictions, including GPS monitoring, but was permitted to travel for work-related matters.
In the days leading up to his sentencing, Velasquez admitted wrongdoing, indicated he was at peace with whatever punishment he would receive, and said he held no ill-will toward the Goularte family.
Goularte is set for a trial calendar hearing June 2 as he faces one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge, denying any wrongdoing.
