DA's Office reviewing allegations against Barstow mayor
By Stacia Glenn
Posted: 01/25/2010 05:27:39 PM PST
The District Attorney's Office is deciding whether to charge Barstow Mayor Joe Gomez with sexually battering a police officer's wife after a Christmas party.
The victim, who has not been identified, reported the alleged assault Dec. 18 to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department because the crime took place in an unincorporated area of Barstow.
Details of the assault have not been released and Gomez has not been arrested.
He did not respond to calls or an e-mail looking for comment Monday.
City Manager Richard Rowe said he is aware of the investigation but is not at liberty to divulge information.
"As it relates to the details, I am not at liberty to discuss what little I may know. Obviously it's a troubling time," he said, adding that the accusation will likely have political and practical impacts on the city.
Gomez has served on the City Council since 2004. He became mayor in 2008.
Gomez is engaged and has eight children and eight grandchildren, according to a biography on the city's Web site.
He owns a local business, is active on several City Council committees and has served as vice president of East Barstow Little League.
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