Jury Convicts Bob Otis Sell (54) of Felony Intimate Partner Violence
Author: District Attorney
Date: 9/23/2026 3:38 PM
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that a San Luis Obispo County jury found Bob Otis Sell (54) of Nipomo guilty of felony intimate partner violence.
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, a San Luis Obispo County jury found Bob Otis Sell (DOB 12/23/1971) guilty of felony infliction of corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition on a person with whom he had a dating or engagement relationship, in violation of Penal Code Section 273.5(a), for an attack on May 14, 2026.
During the trial, jurors heard evidence that the victim called 911 for help after Sell struck her in the face multiple times, nearly knocking her unconscious. She suffered injuries to her left cheek and forehead.
"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."
Sell faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison for this conviction. He also faces an "out on bail" enhancement, which will be addressed at sentencing and, if imposed, could add two years to his total sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026, the Honorable Crystal T. Seiler presiding. Sell remains out of custody on bail pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, with Deputy Michael Tschoepe assigned, and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sarah Merson, a member of the District Attorney's Sexual Assault Prosecution Team who was specially assigned to this case. Victim services were provided by the District Attorney's Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center, including Assistant Director Divina Diaz and Witness Coordinator Iris Martin.
The District Attorney's Office encourages anyone experiencing intimate partner violence to seek help and to know they are not alone. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day through the Lumina Alliance Crisis and Information Line at 805.545.8888, and through the District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Center at 805.781.5821. In an emergency, call 911.
Here is a copy of the charging document. Here is a copy of the defendant's booking photo.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.