CA- Peni Cere, 42, security guard, posed as cop, threats to call ICE, arrested for sex. assault on woman, Santa Rosa, Aug, 2025, *Poss. more victims*

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Santa Rosa security guard arrested for alleged sexual assault after posing as officer, threatening to call ICE

A man was arrested for alleged sexual assault in Santa Rosa that involved the suspect posing as a police officer and threatening to report the victim to immigration authorities, police said Wednesday.

www.cbsnews.com

August 20, 2025

Peni CereSanta Rosa Police Department

''A man was arrested for alleged sexual assault in Santa Rosa that involved the suspect posing as a police officer and threatening to report the victim to immigration authorities, police said Wednesday.

Earlier this month, a woman came to the Santa Rosa Police Department to report she was the victim of a violent sexual assault, police said in a public safety alert and on social media. The woman told officers that in June, she was sleeping in her vehicle on Montgomery Drive near 2nd Street when a man who identified himself as a police officer - wearing a uniform and a badge - threatened to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as he forced his way into her vehicle.

The man then sexually assaulted her, the woman told police. The woman said she was scared to report the incident because of the threat of ICE being contacted, but a family member convinced her to file a report, police said.''

''Investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old Santa Rosa resident Peni Cere, who worked as a uniformed security guard at various locations in the city, often working night shifts. ''

 

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Fijian who posed as police officer arrested in USA on sexual assault charges - The Fiji Times

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...

www.fijitimes.com.fj

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''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.''