The man believed to be the first person tried and convicted with DNA evidence in Kern County back in 1989 has once again been found guilty—this time for a separate crime, also proven through DNA.
Sergio Venegas was convicted on eight counts, including seven felonies such as sexual battery, kidnapping, and assault.
2022 Incident
According to police, in 2022 a woman was walking along Ming Avenue when Venegas grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into a secluded area, and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint. Investigators identified him through DNA evidence recovered from the woman’s Apple Watch and wedding ring.
Previous Conviction
Venegas had previously been convicted in 1999 for raping a woman at the Red Lion Inn. He served 30 years in prison before being released in 2021.
Facing Life Sentence
With this latest guilty verdict, Venegas is scheduled to be sentenced next month. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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