“The work of all involved in investigating and prosecuting this case, as well as the strength of the survivor, has removed this dangerous person from the community.  We appreciate all those who dedicated time and effort to this investigation and hope that the sentencing assists the survivor in recovering from this vicious attack.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SANTA BABARA COUNTY – On September 14, 2023, Victorino Ramirez, 42, of Santa Maria was sentenced to 23 years in state prison.  On August 17, 2023, the Ramirez pled guilty to rape and kidnapping charges. He also admitted a sentencing enhancement for using a deadly weapon to commit the rape.

The charges stemmed from the July 24, 2020 rape of a woman on West Newlove Drive in Santa Maria.  Ramirez followed Jane Doe as she was on a walk and attacked her at knifepoint.  She immediately reported the attack to law enforcement.  Biological evidence collected from Jane Doe’s body was analyzed and entered into the Combined DNA Offender Identification System (CODIS), a database containing DNA profiles of convicted offenders.  The Ramirez’s DNA profile was in the database following his 2006 felony conviction for vehicle burglary.  Detectives obtained a new DNA sample from Ramirez in 2021 and confirmed that his DNA profile matched the biological evidence on Jane Doe’s body.

District Attorney John T. Savrnoch noted that the defendant could not have been held accountable for this vicious crime without the survivor’s outstanding bravery and strength. The collaboration between the Santa Maria Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, forensic nurses, and criminalists from the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Science was also invaluable to achieving this outcome.  SMPD Detective Rocio Cazares, DA Investigator Ronnie Murillo, Senior DA Investigator Mike Huffman, and Maria Gutierrez from Victim Witness played vital roles in this case, guided by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Lara Clinton’s leadership.