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.<\/p>\n
Joe Gomez, 51, was charged Monday with a misdemeanor in the December incident in unincorporated Barstow involving an unidentified woman.<\/p>\n
The San Bernardino County District Attorney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> reported. <\/p>\n Gomez faces up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted, said Susan Mickey, a spokeswoman for the district attorney\u2019s office. He is scheduled to be arraigned April 9. <\/p>\n Gomez was elected to the Barstow City Council in 2004 and elected mayor in 2008, according to the city\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n — Tony Barboza<\/p>\n More breaking news in L.A. Now:<\/strong><\/p>\n Medical marijuana advocates tell L.A. city prosecutor to drop lawsuits<\/a><\/p>\n Woman’s body discovered inside car near Castaic Lake<\/a><\/p>\n L.A. city attorney files lawsuit against supergraphic sign companies<\/a><\/p>\n L.A. animal advocates hold special events for national Spay Day<\/a><\/p>\n Two storms heading to Southern California<\/a><\/p>\n Long Beach man charged with killing girlfriend with machete<\/a><\/p>\n Roller derby league launches in Long Beach<\/a><\/p>\n CHP investigates fatal big-rig accident on 710 Freeway in East L.A.<\/a><\/p>\n Michael Jackson fans line up at Disneyland for return of ‘Captain EO’<\/a> <\/p>\n Pre-dawn vigil at LAUSD headquarters<\/a><\/p>\n Unemployed father with many debts charged with 14 O.C. bank robberies<\/a><\/p>\n West Hollywood approves mixed-use development<\/a><\/p>\n Fatal accident shuts down northbound 710 freeway near Bell Gardens<\/a><\/p>\n Man brought to L.A. to face charges in Cambodian sex case<\/a><\/p>\n L.A. police seek leads on ‘dressed for success’ robber<\/a><\/p>\n