The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission suspended the law enforcement certification of 41-year-old Wareham Police Officer Ryan Gomes on Tuesday, citing evidence that he engaged or may have engaged in criminal conduct.
The suspension order is effective upon receipt by Gomes or the Wareham Police Department. It directs Gomes to immediately surrender all agency-issued or government-issued permits, credentials, badges, uniforms, firearms, cruisers, blue lights, and use-of-force instruments such as a Taser. The department is ordered to collect those items without delay and revoke any related permits. The suspension remains in effect until the Commission issues a final decision or revokes it.
Court records show that Gomes was arraigned Monday after being arrested Friday on Rape, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (15 counts), Strangulation, and Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Wareham District Court and was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday.
On Thursday, the case was transferred to Plymouth District Court due to the obvious conflict.
According to Boston.com, State Police reports allege that the incidents involved an on-again, off-again girlfriend over several years, including claims that Gomes pointed a gun or Taser at her during arguments, strangled her, and sexually assaulted her. The Wareham Police Department placed Gomes on administrative leave and opened an internal affairs investigation. The POST Commission suspension followed the arrest.
Gomes is a more than 10-year veteran of the Wareham Police Department. The department has declined further comment beyond confirming the administrative leave.
