The mayor of Barstow has been charged with sexual battery for allegedly touching a woman "for the specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification and sexual abuse," authorities said Tuesday.
Joe Gomez, 51, was charged Monday with a misdemeanor in the December incident in unincorporated Barstow involving an unidentified woman.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office did not release further details, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department refused to answer questions about the case, citing an ongoing investigation.
Gomez addressed the subject at the Feb. 1 City Council meeting, denying the allegations and declaring his intent to defend himself, the Victorville Daily Press reported.
Gomez faces up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted, said Susan Mickey, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office. He is scheduled to be arraigned April 9.
Gomez was elected to the Barstow City Council in 2004 and elected mayor in 2008, according to the city’s website.
— Tony Barboza
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