2003 Ventura Rape Victim Awarded $20 Million in Suit

A Ventura rape victim who spotted her attacker on the television show “Blind Date” got a $20-million civil court judgment this month, but she will probably never see a dime from her imprisoned attacker.

Ulrick Kevin White, 32, of Santa Barbara was convicted in February by a Ventura County jury of forcible rape and false imprisonment. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

In September 2003, White allegedly approached the then-35-year-old woman in a parking lot outside a local bar as she waited for a cab, and she reluctantly agreed to a ride home in his van, Ventura Police Det. Russ Robinson said. She was taken to a remote area and attacked.

More than a year later, the woman recognized her attacker on TV, videotaped the “Blind Date” appearance and turned it over to detectives, who soon after arrested White.

In a civil suit claiming emotional distress, among other things, Superior Court Judge Vincent O’Neill awarded the victim $20 million in damages.

The woman, who has a 12-year-old daughter, conceded she would probably never receive any money from White but said the judgment was helpful in her healing process.