Hairdresser Convicted in Sexual Assault Case

A hairdresser has been convicted of sexually assaulting a male customer in his barber shop, where the incident occurred during a haircut.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office reported that Rafael Martinez Vargas, 45, from Salinas, was found guilty on charges of sexual assault and forcible oral copulation following a jury’s decision on Monday.

The jury determined that the crime displayed elements of planning and professionalism, a chilling aspect of the case.

The victim, referred to as John Doe 1, had been a regular client of Vargas at Haircuts in Shape in Salinas. He recounted that during a haircut on March 3, 2024, Vargas began to grope him without consent, eventually pulling down his pants before the assault commenced.

Despite feeling violated, the victim initially struggled to push Vargas away but eventually managed to stop the assault. He later explained in his testimony that freezing up was a common reaction to fear and trauma, which perhaps might seem counterintuitive to some.

In addition to John Doe 1, two other individuals testified about their own experiences of being assaulted by Vargas.

Another victim recounted an incident from 2017, stating that while receiving a haircut from Vargas, he had his pants touched without consent, echoing the experiences of other victims who froze during their respective assaults.

a third victim, John Doe III, reported being assaulted in November 2019 when Vargas touched him over his clothing multiple times without permission. This victim also described being unable to resist due to shock and trauma.

Vargas is due back in court in August for sentencing. The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of 8.5 years in state prison, alongside a requirement to register as a sex offender.