Salinas Barber Convicted of Sexual Assault on Client in Barber Chair

Rafael Martinez Vargas, 45, was found guilty of sexual battery and forcible oral copulation. Sentencing is scheduled for August, with up to 8.5 years in prison possible.

Salinas Hairstylist Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Client During Haircut

A Salinas hairstylist has been convicted of sexually assaulting a male client while the man sat in a barber chair, the Monterey County District Attorney's office announced. NY Post Metro reports that Rafael Martinez Vargas, 45, was found guilty by a jury on Monday of sexual battery and forcible oral copulation.

The jury further determined that the crime "involved planning, sophistication, or professionalism."

The victim, identified in court as John Doe 1, had been a regular client at Haircuts in Shape in Salinas. During a haircut on March 3, 2024, he said Vargas began touching his genitals without consent, then pulled down his pants before assaulting him. The victim said he initially could not stop Vargas when he tried to push him away, but eventually managed to end the assault.

Prosecutor Pacioni addressed the victim's response during trial. "Doe 1 explained that he froze during the incident, a common response to trauma and fear," Pacioni said, noting the behavior may appear counterintuitive.

Two additional witnesses testified during the trial that they had also been assaulted by Vargas. John Doe 2 told the court that in 2017, while receiving a haircut at Vargas' barbershop, Vargas reached into his pants without consent to touch his groin. That victim similarly described freezing and being unable to fight Vargas off.

A third witness, John Doe 3, recounted being assaulted at the same barbershop in November 2019. He testified that Vargas groped his genitals over his clothing multiple times without consent. Like the other victims, Doe 3 said he did not physically resist because he "froze in response to the shock and trauma of the assault," according to the DA.

Vargas is scheduled to return to court in August for sentencing. The offenses carry a maximum sentence of 8.5 years in state prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Source: NY Post Metro