Bay Area man sentenced to life after committing sexual assault in Northern California

Lina PortmanJune 5, 2024

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Yolo County Prosecutor Jeff Reisig announced that on May 30, 2024, Fairfield resident Azel Maynard was convicted for a sexual assault that occurred in West Sacramento in 2021.

Judge Samuel T. McAdam sentenced Maynard to 25 years to life in prison, plus an additional 12 years resulting from enhancements. After an eight-day jury trial, Maynard was found guilty of assault with intent to commit rape, first-degree burglary, attempted forcible rape, sexual assault and dissuading witnesses. In sentencing, Judge McAdam noted the victim's extraordinary bravery and courage on the night of the attack.

Maynard has an extensive criminal history involving several felonies and prior strikes. In October 2021, Maynard was convicted of robbery in Solano County, where he was expected to be sentenced to six years in state prison.

However, in December 2021, while awaiting sentencing for theft, Maynard went to visit a family member in West Sacramento. The family member was not home, but the victim (a roommate) and her minor son were. The victim had never met Maynard before and did not know him.

After entering the house and seeing that she was alone, Maynard attacked the victim and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim courageously fought back against Maynard. Eventually, the victim was saved when Maynard became distracted when her small child ran towards her.

When the victim tried to run away with her child, Maynard slammed the door on her leg, but the victim was able to open the door and scream for help. Neighbors came to his aid and Maynard fled the scene.

During the investigation and subsequent prosecution, it was learned that Maynard had previously been accused of lewd conduct toward a former attorney in another county. Those charges were ultimately dismissed as part of a comprehensive plea in another case. However, the Yolo County jury was allowed to hear and consider this evidence in its decision.

“Stranger sexual assaults are incredibly dangerous situations that can, and often do, escalate,” Reisig said. “The victim in this case suffered significant bruising all over his body, which demonstrates how violent this attack was. Mr. Maynard's crimes over the past two decades have claimed many lives. Our office remains steadfast in its determination to hold people like Mr. Maynard accountable when they commit sexual assault.