UPDATE: Sheriff’s Detectives Releases Assault Suspect Photo, Encourage Witnesses to Come Forward

Sheriff’s investigators are renewing their call for witnesses to come forward in connection with a sexual assault investigation. Detectives have released the booking photo of 22-year-old Damian Silverio, who was arrested on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Investigators are seeking anyone who may have witnessed an altercation in the 6500-block of Trigo Road during the early morning hours of August 30. If you have information, please contact Detective Ellis at (805) 681-4150. To remain anonymous, you may submit a tip online at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or call (805) 681-4171.

The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating these cases, working alongside advocacy partners, and ensuring that survivors have access to resources and support. Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at (805)568-2400 or toll free at (855)840-3232.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805)564-3696.

Sheriff’s Detectives Seeking Witnesses in Isla Vista Sexual Assault This Weekend

By the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
September 2, 2025

Sheriff’s detectives arrested an Isla Vista man for sexual assault and are asking witnesses to come forward.

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, at approximately 9:30 am, Sheriff’s deputies received a report of a sexual assault that had occurred earlier in the morning in the 6500-block of Trigo Road.

Investigators learned that the survivor endured an hours-long physical and sexual assault, where at one point, she was able to escape into a common area before being forced back into the apartment. The survivor and the victim are known to one another.

Investigators arrested the suspect, 22-year-old Damian Silverio of Isla Vista at 5:42 pm that same day. Silverio was booked at the Main Jail for felonies including; kidnap to commit rape, rape by force or fear, false imprisonment, criminal threats, domestic violence, and preventing a victim from calling 911. He is being held without bail.

Detectives believe there are witnesses to this crime who have not yet been identified. They are working diligently to capture those witness accounts and would like the public’s assistance. Anyone who witnessed an altercation in in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the 6500-block of Trigo Road is strongly encouraged to contact Detective Ellis at (805)681-4150. If you would like to be anonymous, you can submit information online at: sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or by calling (805)681-4171.

Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating these cases, working alongside advocacy partners, and ensuring that survivors have access to resources and support. Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at (805)568-2400 or toll free at (855)840-3232.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805)564-3696