Bob Otis Sell of Nipomo Convicted of Felony Intimate Partner Violence

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Bob Otis Sell of Nipomo was found guilty by a San Luis Obispo County jury of a felony count of intimate partner violence Wednesday.

During the trial, jurors listened to a 911 call made by the survivor after she was hit in the face multiple times by Sell on May 14, 2026, before ultimately finding him guilty of felony infliction of corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition on a person with whom he had a dating or engagement relationship noted the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office in a press release Wednesday.

"No one should be hurt by someone they trust, and no one should be afraid in their own home," said District Attorney Dan Dow. "Victims of intimate partner violence often face fear, pressure, and deep emotional ties that make it very hard to take part in a prosecution. That is why the burden of holding an abuser accountable belongs to our office, not to the victim. Our criminal and victim justice system worked the way it should in this case. It protected a victim and held her abuser accountable. We thank the jury for their careful attention to the evidence. As we enter October, Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence) Awareness Month, I want every victim in San Luis Obispo County to know that you will be believed, you will be treated with dignity, and this office will stand with you."

The 54-year-old is next due in court for sentencing on Oct. 5, 2026, where he faces up to four years in state prison stated local prosecutors.

According to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office, Sell also faces an out on bail enhancement that could add an additional two years to his sentence.

He remains out of custody on bail pending his sentencing hearing noted the local prosecutor's office.

If you or anyone you know if facing intimate partner violence, you are not alone.

There is free, confidential support available 24 hours a day through the Lumina Alliance Crisis and Information Line at 805-545-8888 as well as through the District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Center at 805-781-5821.

In the event of an emergency, call 911.