Santa Rosa security guard who allegedly impersonated officer arrested for sexual assault

(KRON) — A man who worked as a security guard who allegedly falsely identified himself as “police” has been arrested for sexual assault in Santa Rosa. The Santa Rosa Police Department said that a woman came forward in early August to report being the victim of a violent sexual assault.

The woman told police she was sleeping in her vehicle in the 90 block of Montgomery Drive in early July when a man who identified himself as a law enforcement officer threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he forced his way into her vehicle. The man, the victim said, was wearing a uniform and a badge.

He then proceeded to sexually assault the woman. Police identified the man was 42-year-old Peni Cere of Santa Rosa.

The victim told police she was afraid to report the assault due to the threat of ICE being contacted. She was convinced to go ahead and file by a family member.

With the victim’s assistance, police were able to identify Cere. They learned he worked as a uniformed security guard at various locations in Santa Rosa, often working night shifts.

Santa Rosa PD launched a two-day investigation and along with Special Enforcement Team (SET) detectives and SRPD Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Team (DVSA) detectives conducted a search and surveillance operation to locate Cere.

Cere was located at 9:15 p.m. exiting a vehicle in a parking lot on the 1100 block of College Avenue and detained. Police did not specify the date of his arrest, but he was booked into Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Center on Aug. 8 for assault with attempt to commit rape, and threatening arrest or deportation to commit sexual assault on.

Bail was set for $250,000.

Police say that based on the “boldness” of Cere’s actions, the fact he identified himself as police, and threatened to report the victim to ICE, they believe there may be more victims who are too scared to come forward.

“We encourage all victims and witnesses of crimes to come forward, regardless of immigration status,” Santa Rosa PD said.