A Santa Rosa security guard is accused of posing as law enforcement and sexually assaulting a woman, police said Wednesday.
Investigators allege the suspect threatened to report the victim to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and are concerned there may be more alleged victims who have been scared to come forward due to their immigration status.
Earlier this month, a woman told police that she had been the victim of a violent sexual assault. She said that while sleeping in her vehicle in the 90 block of Montgomery Drive in July, a man identified himself as police and threatened to call ICE on her as he forced his way into her vehicle.
Initially the woman was afraid to go to the police, the department said, but a family member encouraged her to come forward.
Detectives identified Peni Cere, 42, as the suspect in this case.
According to police, Cere was employed as a uniformed security guard at various locations in Santa Rosa and often worked night shifts. An extensive search and surveillance operation was initiated to locate Cere and he was eventually observed exiting a vehicle shortly after entering a parking lot in the 1100 block of College Avenue in Santa Rosa, where he was taken into custody.
Cere was booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of assault with attempt to commit rape and threatening arrest or deportation to commit sexual assault. He is being held without bail, according to jail records.
“Based on the boldness of Cere’s actions, and the fact he identified himself as “police” and threatened the victim he would report her to ICE, we believe there may be more unidentified victims who have been too scared to come forward,” the Santa Rosa Police Department alleges. “We encourage all victims and witnesses of crimes to come forward, regardless of immigration status.”
The department reminded the community that no officers will assist in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“SRPD policy goes even further by explicitly prohibiting officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status or cooperating with ICE enforcement actions,” the department said.
Anyone who may have information about this case or believes they may have been victimized by the suspect should please contact the sexual assault unit at (707) 543-3595.
According to police, victims of sexual assault in Sonoma County have access to free, confidential support services through local organizations. The Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJC), located at 2755 Mendocino Ave. (707)565-8255, offers a safe and welcoming environment where survivors can receive wraparound services, including advocacy, legal support, counseling, and safety planning, all without needing to report to law enforcement, the department said.
Verity, Sonoma County’s sole rape crisis and trauma center, provides 24/7 crisis support, counseling, and prevention education. Survivors and their loved ones can access confidential help through Verity’s crisis line at (707) 545-7273 or visit their office at 1311 W. Steele Lane for walk-in support. Verity advocates are also onsite at the FJC. Both organizations are committed to serving all survivors, regardless of immigration status, and offer services in multiple languages.
