Office of the District Attorney - Maggie Fleming, District Attorney
NEWS RELEASE
September 17, 2021
On September 14, 2021, Humboldt County Judge Neel sentenced 31-year-old Darrius Dejuan Upshaw to 10 years in state prison for the crimes of orally copulating an unconscious person [Penal Code section 287 (f)] and orally copulating an intoxicated person [Penal Code section 287 (i)]. The convictions stem from an investigation by the Arcata Police Department concerning events in spring of 2019, when the defendant was a student at HSU.
Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer prosecuted the case with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Ryan Hill and Victim Advocate Keosha Chambers. Attorney Russ Clanton represented Darrius Upshaw. Witnesses at trial included each of the sexual assault survivors, other citizens, and members of the Arcata Police Department. Because both the defense and prosecution agreed to proceed without a jury, Judge Neel decided the case.
The people in the District Attorney’s Office recognize and appreciate that the strength of the survivors in this case allowed achievement of a measure of justice and has enhanced the safety of others.