San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured six convictions of Gary Arabatyan (49), of San Francisco, after a trial by jury for continuously violating a temporary restraining order protecting his estranged wife and their four children from May 19, 2023, to June 6, 2023. Mr. Arabatyan was convicted of six counts of disobeying a domestic relations court order (PC 273.6(a)) which was issued by the San Francisco Superior Court.
“I would like to thank the jury for their service,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “Restraining orders are often the only recourse that victims of domestic and their families have at certain times. My office takes these violations very seriously and compliance with restraining orders is not optional. My office will do everything in its power to ensure that we use every legal tool available to protect our most vulnerable.”
According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, the victim and Mr. Arabatyan were married for 17 years. The victim petitioned the Family court for a temporary restraining order protecting herself and her four minor children. The victim obtained a temporary restraining order which was valid from May 18, 2023, to June 7, 2023. On May 19, 2023, at 12:00 PM, Mr. Arabatyan was served with the temporary restraining order. The restraining order prevented Mr. Arabatyan from contacting the Victim or their four minor children except during supervised visits as ordered by the Court. Mr. Arabatyan violated the restraining order within two hours of being served by sending text messages to his estranged wife and proceeded to violate the restraining order multiple more times.
The case against Mr. Arabatyan was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ashley Lee, with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Scott Wong and Timothy Louie, paralegals Loretta Luu and Lena Ku, and IT support from Noaeh Pinaire. Victim Advocate Jodee Brown was integral in providing support to the Victim during the pendency of the case.
“When a person makes the choice to leave a relationship their decision should be respected,” said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Lee. “The jury’s verdict ensures that the Victim and her four children can move forward with their lives in peace.”
Mr. Arabtyan is currently out of custody. He faces up to one year in county jail for his crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2024.
If you or a loved one is in need of support, please seek help. In an emergency call 9-1-1.
Below are additional resources for support:
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (text) START to 88788 or call 800.799.7233
• WOMAN, Inc 24/7 Support Line, 877.384.3578
• Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic (CROC) 415.969.6711
• La Casa De Las Madres Crisis text, 415.200.3575
• A Women’s Place 415.487.2140
• Mission Neighborhood Resource Center 415.869.7977
Court Number: 23012707
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