Incident and Allegations
Ari Herbertson, a former California horse trainer, has been ordered to pay $9 million in a sexual assault case.
The allegations stem from an incident in January 2019 at Golden Gate Fields, where Herbertson is accused of drugging and raping a woman.
The victim, reported to be an ex-law enforcement officer, filed a civil complaint in January 2022, implicating Herbertson, track owner The Stronach Group, Golden Gate Fields, and others in the incident.
Details of the Assault
The victim claimed that Herbertson spiked her mimosa with a date rape drug, leading to her feeling instantly intoxicated.
She asserted that Herbertson and another man, Justin Rivera, took her to a soccer field where they sexually assaulted her.
Criminal Charges
Ari Herbertson faced multiple charges, including sexual battery, forcible sexual penetration, and assault with intent to commit a sex crime.
Some charges were dropped as part of a plea deal, but he pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon, resulting in a one-year jail sentence and two years of probation.
Judicial Decision
Judge Jeffrey Brand found Herbertson guilty of battery, ordering him to pay $9 million to the victim.
The judge relied on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the plaintiff’s testimony to make the decision.
Impact on the Victim
The victim shared that she intentionally gained weight and experienced memory loss after the alleged assault.
She expressed concerns about the safety of beverages in public, fearing they might be drugged.
Legal Implications for Others
The civil lawsuit also implicated The Stronach Group, owner of Golden Gate Fields, and Justin Rivera as defendants in the case.
The victim’s lawyer, Randal Strauss, emphasized the importance of the case in sending a message against sexual battery and seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse.