Security guard sexually assaults woman, threatens to call ICE, California cops say

A security guard faces charges that he sexually assaulted a woman by posing as a police officer, California cops reported.

In early August, a woman reported to Santa Rosa police that she had been attacked in July while sleeping in her vehicle, officers said in a Wednesday, Aug. 20, news release.

The man, wearing a uniform and badge, identified himself as “police” and threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement, then forced his way in her vehicle and sexually assaulted her, officers said.

Frightened by the threat to call ICE, the woman did not report the attack until a family member encouraged her to come forward, police said.

Investigators arrested Peni Cere, 42, of Santa Rosa, on charges of assault with attempt to commit rape and threatening arrest or deportation to commit sexual assault, police said.

Cere works as a uniformed security guard in the community, police said. He mostly worked at night.

Investigators believe other potential victims may be too frightened to report similar attacks.

“We encourage all victims and witnesses of crimes to come forward, regardless of immigration status,” police said.

State law and Santa Rosa policies prohibit police from assisting ICE agents in cases based solely on an individual’s immigration status, officers said.

“Our priority is public safety, and we are here to support every member of our community without fear of deportation or immigration consequences,” police said.

They ask anyone with information to call 707-543-3595.

Santa Rosa is about a 55-mile drive northwest from San Francisco.

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Security guard sexually assaults woman, threatens to call ICE, California cops say."