A habitual sexual offender, who was on parole at the time of his most recent offense, is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole after a Kern County jury found him guilty of sexual assault and robbery related charges including:
• Kidnapping with the intent to commit robbery and/or oral copulation • Assault with the intent to commit oral copulation • Assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury • Sexual battery • Robbery • Resisting arrest
Additionally, Venegas was convicted of personally using a deadly weapon, being a habitual sexual offender, having multiple prison prior convictions, and committing the crimes with multiple aggravating factors. The case was successfully prosecuted by Deputy DA Christine Antonios.
At approximately 9:00pm on May 2, 2022, the female victim finished her work shift. While walking home on a sidewalk on Ming Avenue, Venegas grabbed the victim and dragged her behind the bushes. He then used a knife to force the victim to her knees while demanding oral sex. The victim resisted and was able to escape. Before the victim fled, Venegas stole her watch, wedding ring, and backpack. Police quickly located Venegas, who was found in possession of the victim’s stolen property. Venegas was on active parole and was wearing a GPS ankle monitor. In addition to video surveillance, this evidence identified Venegas as the attacker.
Venegas was previously tried and convicted in Kern County in relation to a 1989 rape in which Venegas sexually assaulted the victim, before leaving her naked, gagged, and hogtied in a hotel room. While he was sentenced in 1999 to 55 years to life for the crime, Venegas was paroled in July of 2021.
Assistant DA Joseph Kinzel commented; “This perpetrator is a historically dangerous individual who due to lenient early release laws, had the opportunity to harm another innocent victim. With this conviction, Venegas is rightfully facing life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring he can never threaten our community again. I sincerely thank the jury for their careful and thoughtful consideration.”
Sentencing is set for October 10, 2025