Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been moved to Wasco State Prison in California. This is his first step into the state prison system after being sentenced for multiple charges, including attempted murder, following a no-contest plea.
Velasquez received a five-year sentence and is currently at Wasco State Prison, located near Bakersfield, California. While it`s about a three-hour drive from his San Jose home, Wasco serves as a reception center. Inmates are processed there before being moved to a long-term prison facility.
Wasco prison is used to assess new inmates both physically and mentally to determine their security level before they are transferred to main California prisons like San Quentin or Folsom.
According to his sentence, Velasquez is eligible for parole starting in March 2026. This date could be moved earlier if he earns time off for good behavior or participation in prison programs.
Although sentenced to five years, Velasquez had over three years deducted from his sentence. This is due to the time he already spent in jail after his initial arrest (eight months) and subsequent house arrest with an ankle monitor.
Unless there are significant changes, Velasquez could potentially be released as early as March 2026.
Velasquez`s conviction stems from an incident where he chased a car for 11 miles at high speed. The car contained Harry Goularte, who is accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s son at a daycare owned by Goularte`s mother. Goularte is facing charges related to this case but was released from custody despite prosecution objections.
During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple gunshots at the car. However, it was Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Velasquez was arrested without resistance and faced numerous charges, including attempted murder.
Velasquez`s next court date is April 16. He will face a hearing for restitution, where a judge will decide on financial penalties to be paid to the victims in the case. Restitution can cover expenses like lost wages, medical bills, therapy, and insurance costs.
