After 16 years behind bars serving a 378-year sentence, Ajay Dev is finally free as a judge overturned his conviction, ruling that his adopted daughter likely fabricated sexual assault allegations to secure her immigration status in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- California judge overturned Ajay Dev’s 378-year sentence after finding substantial evidence that his adopted daughter fabricated sexual assault accusations
- Four witnesses testified that the accuser’s claims were false or motivated by anger and a desire to remain in the United States
- Dev spent 16 years in prison for 76 convictions related to sexual assault on a minor before being released on May 23, 2025
- A hearing scheduled for June 13 will determine whether prosecutors will retry Dev or appeal the judge’s ruling
- The case raises serious concerns about immigration-motivated false accusations and potential racial bias in the original prosecution
A 16-Year Nightmare Ends
Ajay Dev, 58, walked out of prison on May 23 after serving 16 years of what was effectively a life sentence. In a stunning reversal, Judge Janene Beronio overturned Dev’s conviction for 76 counts related to sexual assault on a minor, citing compelling evidence that his accuser had fabricated the charges. The case has sent shockwaves through California’s legal community, highlighting how allegations without corroborating evidence can destroy lives while raising questions about immigration incentives that might influence false accusations. Dev had maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, a claim now substantiated by the court’s findings.
A Yolo County man’s 76 convictions and 378-year sentence for years of sexual assaults have been overturned by a judge, who said there was strong evidence that the man’s accuser had fabricated the charges to punish him. https://t.co/Dkw1CdwZ9T
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) May 28, 2025
Immigration Motivation Behind False Accusations
Central to Judge Beronio’s decision was evidence suggesting that the accuser, Sapna Dev, fabricated the allegations to punish Dev and secure her immigration status. Sapna, who was adopted from Nepal in 1998, made her accusations in 2004. Four witnesses testified that Sapna’s accusations were lies or motivated by anger. Court documents revealed that one credible witness stated Sapna was “determined to return to the United States and needed to use the criminal charges to do that.” This testimony directly contradicted Sapna’s claims and aligned with evidence showing she had expressed affection for Ajay Dev and his wife between 1999 and 2004, the very period during which she later claimed abuse had occurred.
“I have read the court material for seven years and believe there is a substantial likelihood that he didn’t do this. I don’t think $60,000 is reasonable… I think OR is reasonable,” said Judge Beronio.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported: “A Northern California man’s 378-year sentence for sexual assault has been overturned by a judge who said there was strong evidence that his adopted daughter made up the accusations to punish him and improve her prospects of remaining in the U.S.”
Legal Process and Potential Retrial
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office now faces a critical decision: retry Dev or appeal the judge’s ruling. A trial setting conference and motion hearing scheduled for June 13 will determine the next steps in this case. Dev’s attorney has emphasized his client’s clean record both before and during his incarceration, arguing against any need for further prosecution. The case has drawn attention from advocacy groups that have long supported Dev’s claims of innocence. Patricia Purcell, a member of one such group, praised Judge Beronio’s thorough examination of the evidence, noting that her ruling “dismantles the DA’s case.”
“Judge Beronio was the first judge to really look closely at the evidence and read every document,” said Patricia Purcell, an advocate supporting Dev.
Racial Justice Concerns in Original Prosecution
The judge’s decision also highlighted troubling aspects of the original prosecution, which was allegedly influenced by racial and ethnic bias. The New York Post reported that the case touches on issues addressed by California’s Racial Justice Act, which prohibits testimony appealing to prejudice. This dimension adds another layer to the case, suggesting that Dev may have been a victim not only of false accusations but also of systemic biases within the justice system. The stark disparity between the severity of the 378-year sentence and the now-revealed weaknesses in the prosecution’s case raises serious questions about proportionality and fairness in our criminal justice system.
“We have known from the beginning that Ajay Dev was wrongfully convicted,” stated Patricia Purcell, emphasizing the long fight for justice in this case.
A Life Destroyed by False Accusations
Dev’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow from false accusations. Having lost 16 years of his life to imprisonment, Dev now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life and reputation. His case highlights critical flaws in our justice system—particularly how uncorroborated accusations can lead to convictions with life-destroying consequences. As Dev awaits the June 13 hearing, his case stands as a powerful example of why our justice system must balance the imperative to take allegations seriously with the equally important duty to ensure evidence meets the standard of “beyond reasonable doubt” before destroying a citizen’s life.
