Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is entangled in a legal dispute over restitution payments to the family of Harry Goularte, who is accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son. In a recent court hearing in Santa Clara County, California, Velasquez’s attorney challenged the family’s financial demands, pushing for further review as the case unfolds.
Attorney’s Stance on Restitution
Renee Hessling, Velasquez’s attorney, addressed the court, via MMA Junkie.
“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.”
The hearing was postponed to June 3, awaiting additional documentation to assess the claims.
Case Background
The dispute originates from an incident where Velasquez chased a vehicle carrying Goularte, his mother Patricia, and stepfather Paul Bender in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit. Velasquez fired multiple shots from a handgun, hitting Bender in the arm with non-life-threatening injuries. Goularte, who faces a separate trial for allegedly molesting Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son at a daycare run by his mother, was not harmed. Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges, including attempted murder, and was sentenced to five years in prison, with credit for time served making him eligible for parole next spring.
The Goularte family seeks restitution, including $1 million for losses tied to their daycare, which has closed since the incident. Assistant District Attorney Aaron French noted the family’s desire for closure, urging the defense to provide the requested documents by the next hearing. Velasquez’s team argues the demands, particularly for daycare expenses, are excessive and plans to contest them.
Velasquez, now 42 with a 14-3 MMA record, expressed remorse before sentencing, acknowledging he should not have acted outside the law. He also voiced forgiveness toward the Goularte family, wishing them healing. The Velasquez family has a separate civil lawsuit against Goularte, his mother, stepfather, and their daycare businesses, alleging negligence and abuse.
The restitution hearing marks another chapter in Velasquez’s legal challenges, which have drawn significant attention. With Goularte’s trial set for early summer and the civil lawsuit ongoing, the resolution of the restitution dispute will determine the financial consequences Velasquez faces for the shooting.
