On May 17, 2025, Yolo County Superior Court Judge Janene Beronio granted Ajay Dev’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus, vacated his conviction, and ordered a new trial. Days later, Ajay was released on his own recognizance and returned home to his wife Peggy and their two sons.
What the judge found
Judge Beronio’s ruling methodically dismantled the pillars of the original prosecution:
- Ineffective assistance of counsel. Ajay’s trial lawyer failed to admit properly authenticated Nepali court documents that could have impeached the accuser’s credibility — records the judge found central to the underage-conduct charges.
- The pretext call, discredited. New forensic audio analysis showed the alleged confession was mistranslated and, in fact, non-existent. As Judge Beronio noted, the enhanced call “revealed no sexual content and no admission of guilt.”
- No defense conspiracy. The court found “no credible evidence that the defense fabricated documents or conspired to suborn perjury” — clearing Ajay’s family and legal team of the DA’s accusations.
- Credible new witnesses. The court deemed key new witnesses “credible, reliable, and non-cumulative,” including testimony that the accuser had admitted fabricating the charges.
“I believe he may be innocent.”— Judge Janene Beronio, from the bench
A word from Ajay
In a statement prepared for the ruling, Ajay thanked Judge Beronio, his attorney Jennifer Mouzis, and the family and supporters who sustained him through what he called “the darkest years of my life.” He addressed the accuser not with bitterness but compassion: “I hold no hatred toward Sapna. I pray for her peace.”
The fight continues
The conviction is vacated, but the case is not fully closed. The District Attorney could seek a retrial — though the depth of the court’s findings makes that path legally difficult. Ajay and his supporters continue to press for full exoneration, and to stand with others who have been wrongly convicted.
Summarized from Judge Beronio’s ruling and reporting by the Davis Vanguard, CBS Sacramento, US News, and The Washington Post (May 2025).