Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on May 30, 2024, Fairfield resident, Azel Maynard, was sentenced for a sexual assault that occurred in West Sacramento in 2021.
Judge Samuel T. McAdam sentenced Maynard to 25 years to life in state prison plus an additional term of 12 years stemming from enhancements. After an eight day jury trial, Maynard was found guilty of assault with intent to commit rape, first degree burglary, attempted rape by force, sexual battery and witness dissuasion. At the sentencing, Judge McAdam highlighted the tremendous bravery and courage of the victim on the night of the attack.
Maynard has an extensive criminal history involving multiple felonies and prior strikes. In October 2021, Maynard was convicted by plea of robbery in Solano County where he was to be sentenced to six years in state prison.
However, in December 2021, while pending sentencing for the robbery, Maynard went to visit a family member in West Sacramento. The family member was not home, but the victim (a female roommate) and her minor son were. The victim had not met Maynard before and did not know him.
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After entering the home and seeing she was alone, Maynard attacked the victim and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim bravely fought back against Maynard. Ultimately, the victim was saved when Maynard was distracted when her small child ran up to her.
When the victim attempted to flee with her child Maynard slammed the door on her leg, but the victim was able to pry the door open and scream for help. Neighbors came to her assistance and Maynard fled the scene.
During the subsequent investigation and prosecution, it was learned that Maynard had previously been charged with lewd conduct towards a prior attorney from another county, those charges were ultimately dismissed as part of a global plea in another case. However, the Yolo County jury was allowed to hear and consider this evidence in their decision.
“Stranger sexual assaults are incredibly dangerous situations that can, and do, often escalate,” Reisig said. “The victim in this case suffered significant bruising all over her body which demonstrates how violent of an attack this truly was. Mr. Maynard’s crimes over the last two decades have created many victims. Our office remains steadfast in our determination to hold those like Mr. Maynard accountable when they commit sexual assaults.”
