Noncitizen charged with rape became California cop, thanks to Gavin Newsom: Report



The Belmont Police Department hired a foreign national despite a previous domestic violence arrest. It did not turn out well.

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom (Calif.) ratified legislation in September 2022 scrapping the requirement that police, highway patrol, and corrections officers in California have to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

Felipe Gomes, one of the foreign nationals who took full advantage of Newsom's law, was arrested last week on suspicion of rape, reported the Palo Alto Daily Post.

Redwood City Police arrested Gomes at the Belmont Police Department headquarters on April 22, according to RCPD Sgt. Victor Figueroa. Gomes was reportedly charged under penal code 261 (a) (1), which concerns knowingly having sexual intercourse with an individual incapable of giving consent because of a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability.

The Brazilian national was booked into the San Mateo County Office Main Jail then later released on a $100,000 bail bond.

Belmont Police Lt. Pete Lotti indicated that Gomes was terminated the following day.