Felipe Gomes

Belmont police officer arrested on charges of rape.

Felipe Gomes is a 35-year-old former police officer in Belmont, California, who was arrested on April 21, 2025, on suspicion of rape. He is not a U.S. citizen but has a work permit, which allows him to serve as a police officer under a recent law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. However, Gomes has a history of domestic violence; he was arrested in 2017 for allegedly hitting his wife. Despite this, Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist hired him four months ago, even after receiving warnings from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and East Palo Alto Police Department.

The rape incident allegedly occurred while Gomes was off duty. He was fired by the Belmont Police Department following his arrest. The case has drawn public scrutiny over California’s law enforcement hiring standards, especially in light of the state’s decision to allow non-citizens to become police officers.