The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) in USA has arrested a Fijian security guard for a violent sexual assault and is urging the public to help identify any additional victims who may have been too afraid to come forward.
42 year old Peni Cere, a Santa Rosa resident, was taken into custody by SRPD’s Special Enforcement Team and the Domestic Violence Sexual Assault (DVSA) Unit.
According to police, in early July, a woman sleeping in her car on Montgomery Drive was approached by a man identifying himself as “police.”
Wearing a uniform and badge, he allegedly threatened to report her to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before forcing his way into her vehicle and sexually assaulting her.
The victim delayed reporting the crime due to fear of deportation but later came forward with the support of a family member.
Mr Cere, who worked as a night-shift security guard at multiple locations in the city, now faces charges of assault with intent to commit rape and threatening arrest or deportation to commit sexual assault.
A Sonoma County judge has enhanced his bail to $250,000.
“Based on the boldness of Cere’s actions, and the fact he impersonated a police officer and used immigration threats, we believe there may be other victims who are still silent,” SRPD said in a statement.
Police emphasised that immigration status will not be questioned and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Under the California Values Act (SB 54) and SRPD’s own policies, officers are prohibited from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement or asking about immigration status.
“No one should fear reporting a crime. Your status does not define your right to safety,” SRPD added.