Convicted serial rapist Sergio Venegas, 62, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Venegas previously served 30 years in prison for a rape committed in 1989. Within months of his release, he attempted another violent assault.
According to Bakersfield police, in May 2022, Venegas attacked a woman on the 4600 block of Ming Avenue, threatening her with a knife and dragging her behind bushes. Despite being sexually assaulted, the woman managed to escape and call for help.
Officers arrested Venegas that same night. He was found wearing an ankle monitor and in possession of items stolen from the victim.
During sentencing, Venegas remained calm and refused to speak when given the opportunity by the judge.
“I enjoyed walking outdoors, and since the attack, I’ve struggled to do so without feeling on edge,”
the victim shared through an advocate.
“(Venegas) shouldn’t be a reason others don’t make it home safely.”
Prosecutor Christine Antonios 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 echoed those sentiments, saying, “This is a situation that not only affects those two victims but quite frankly impacts our entire community.”
Antonios added, “This is somebody society had convicted previously in 1999 and sent to prison. We had hoped he could rehabilitate and not victimize someone else — but none of those things happened.”
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