Press release from the District Attorney’s Office:

Today, Judge Kaleb Cockrum sentenced Steve Eliott Boudreaux (38) of Arcata, to serve 125 years to life in prison after being convicted of multiple child sexual abuse crimes against multiple victims.

Boudreaux sexually molested two young girls in his home. His crimes began in 2011 with one of his victims, Doe 1, when she was only six years old. During the summer of 2023, now a young adult, Doe 1 bravely reported Boudreaux’s crimes to the Arcata Police Department. During the thorough investigation, a second victim, Doe 2, came forward.

Boudreaux was arrested in January 2024, and a jury trial commenced 6 months later. The jury convicted Boudreaux for child sexual molestation of Doe 2, but they were unable to reach unanimous verdicts for crimes against Doe 1. In January 2025, the case was tried again, however, the jury did not reach a unanimous verdict with 11 of 12 jurors in favor of guilt. In November 2025, Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm took the case to trial a third time and Boudreaux was convicted of his crimes against Doe 1.

During each trial, the jurors heard testimony from the victims, who courageously faced their abuser in open court and recounted deeply traumatic experiences. Evidence from Boudreaux’s cell phone, obtained in 2025 by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, revealed Boudreaux searching for pornographic material demonstrating a sexual interest in incest.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Ryan Hill, and District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie. The North Coast Rape Crisis Team provided support to the victims in this case. Local attorney Casey Russo defended Boudreaux.

District Attorney Stacey Eads stated, “Through the extraordinary courage, perseverance, and dedication to the truth of these young women — even after enduring the trauma of abuse and the difficulty testifying — Boudreaux is now held accountable and will spend his remaining years where he belongs.”