Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is reportedly suing the man, who he tried to kill, for molesting his 4-year-old son.
Velasquez, who was arrested in San Jose, California, in February for shooting at a pickup truck carrying the man, is suing the same man, Harry Goularte, and his family, who own a daycare center where the alleged molestation happened. Velasquez also reportedly rammed his truck into his vehicle during a high-speed pursuit through Santa Clara County.
A judge has previously denied bail to Velasquez, who faces attempted murder and multiple gun assault charges. His attorney, Mark Geragos, has said he plans on vindicating Velasquez in court. The former UFC star faces a prison term of 20 years to life.
Velasquez stated in a civil lawsuit that Goularte sexually molested his son while attending a daycare run at home by Goularte's mother, Patricia Goularte. According to the Los Angeles Times, Wednesday, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of a minor.
Goularte was living at home and working for the daycare during the time of the alleged molestation. Velasques claimed that the child care business and its owners "fostered and maintained an environment" where the children could be molested, sexually abused and harassed. The lawsuit accuses Goularte and his family of negligence and sexual battery. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. The Velasquez family stated that Goularte was permitted to spend time alone with the minor and other children on the property, including in a bathroom and a playhouse for extended periods. Goularte allegedly touched the boy "100 times."
Goularte, 43, was charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor by the Santa Clara County district attorney's office. He has pleaded not guilty and the trial is set for September. Goularte's mother and stepfather are also included in the complaint because they are the owners and operators of the facility.
Meanwhile, Velasquez, 39, is scheduled to be back in court in August. Velasquez transitioned to pro wrestling after retiring from his MMA career in 2019. He is a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, and he earned title belts in 2010 and 2012.
