Harry Goularte Case: Allegations, Legal Battles, and Vigilante Fallout

Harry Eugene Goularte is a resident of San Martin, California, who gained national attention after being accused of sexual abuse involving a minor. Although his background and personal life remain largely private, Goularte became publicly known when allegations emerged involving a serious accusation of molesting a child during daycare services operated by his family.

The Allegations Against Goularte     

In 2022, Harry Goularte was charged with one felony count of lewd acts with a minor. Prosecutors allege that from 2021 to early 2022, he repeatedly molested a then‑4‑year‑old boy—who is related to former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez—while the child attended a daycare facility run by Goularte’s mother Patricia. Alleged misconduct included removing the child’s clothing, inappropriate touching, and exposing himself to the victim “numerous times”.

Daycare and Facility Dynamics

Investigations revealed that the alleged incidents occurred in a home-based daycare on Powder Horn Court in San Martin. While Goularte did not officially work at the daycare, he lived in the residence where it operated. Following the allegations, investigators determined that over 20 children had attended the facility, prompting licensing authorities to immediately exclude Goularte from the premises and suspend daycare operations temporarily.

Criminal Charge and Current Status

Goularte was arrested in February 2022 and released two days later on $50,000 bond, accompanied by GPS monitoring. He pleaded not guilty, and a jury trial was scheduled for June 2, 2025 by Judge Benjamin Williams in Santa Clara County. At the time of writing, the criminal case remains pending.

Civil Lawsuit by the Velasquez Family

In April 2022, Cain Velasquez and his family filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte, his mother Patricia, stepfather Paul Bender, Certified Custom Concrete (Goularte’s business), and Patty’s Childcare. The suit alleges sexual assault and negligence, claiming that Goularte’s family and associated businesses allowed the alleged abuse to continue due to inadequate supervision and failure to protect the child.

Civil Trial Timeline

A civil trial date was set for May 19, 2025, by Judge Shella Deen after initial scheduling for March 31 was delayed due to court availability. Plaintiffs include Velasquez’s family members, while Goularte and his associated defendants are named in the lawsuit.

Cain Velasquez’s Violent Response

Upon learning of the alleged abuse, Velasquez attempted self-styled justice. On February 28, 2022, he chased a vehicle carrying Goularte, his mother, and stepfather for around 11 miles, eventually firing multiple gunshots at it. Although Goularte was not harmed, his stepfather Paul Bender was struck twice in the torso and arm, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

Velasquez’s Criminal Charges and Sentence

Velasquez was charged with numerous felonies including attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, and more. He ultimately pleaded no contest in August 2024 and was sentenced to five years in prison, with credit for time already served. He is expected to serve less than two additional years behind bars .

Legal Disparity and Public Reaction

The contrast between Velasquez’s prison sentence and Goularte’s release on bail sparked widespread public debate. Critics questioned how the alleged abuser could remain free while the father seeking justice faced incarceration. The case prompted intense discussion about vigilantism, legal process, and parental responsibility .

Goularte’s Ongoing Criminal Proceedings

Despite remaining free on GPS monitoring, prosecutors expressed strong opposition to Goularte’s release. His criminal trial is considered a critical matter, and any conviction could result in up to eight years in prison plus fines for felony child molestation. His legal team continues to maintain his innocence and defend against the charges .

Investigations into Additional Victims

Following Goularte’s arrest, authorities opened inquiries into possible additional victims. Investigators reached out to parents of other children who attended the daycare. The facility was shut down, and operating licenses were affected, with licensing officers taking exclusion action to protect the remaining children remaining under investigation .

Ethical Questions and Vigilante Justice Debate

The incident ignited a broader ethical debate between those sympathizing with Velasquez’s protective instincts and others condemning his violent actions. Many in MMA circles voiced support for Velasquez, framing his actions as understandable given the circumstances. Others emphasized systemic justice and the danger posed by taking the law into one’s own hands .

Legal Complexity and Public Perception

The juxtaposition of a high-profile athlete receiving prison time for responding to alleged abuse and the accused awaiting trial free in the community challenged public perceptions of fairness and justice. Questions about the pace and sensitivity of the criminal justice system remain prominent in public discourse .

Implications for the MMA Community

The case reverberated deeply within the MMA world. Velasquez, revered as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, suffered reputational and legal consequences. The story raised uncomfortable truths about how celebrities and everyday parents alike might respond to perceived system failures when children are involved .

Looking Ahead to Trials and Outcomes

By mid-2025, both criminal and civil proceedings are expected to conclude. The outcome of the criminal trial will determine Goularte’s legal fate, while the civil case may result in financial liabilities and further public scrutiny. These cases could set precedents regarding family negligence liability, daycare oversight, and how vigilante responses are treated in the legal system .

Summary of Key Dates and Status

• February 2022: Goularte arrested and released on supervised bail. Velasquez fires shots in high-speed chase.
• August 2024: Velasquez pleads no contest and sentences set to January 2025.
• June 2, 2025: Criminal jury trial scheduled for Goularte.
• May 19, 2025: Civil trial filed by Velasquez family expected to begin .

Conclusion

Harry Goularte’s case remains one of the most emotionally charged legal stories in recent years, intertwining allegations of child sexual abuse, vigilantism by a prominent father, and ongoing systemic scrutiny. As the two trials unfold in 2025, they are likely to influence broader conversations about justice, parental authority, and institutional responsibility. Though the legal process is still ongoing, the case’s impact on public discourse—and on everyone involved—will be long-lasting.