Police officer charged with rape, strangulation, threatening girlfriend with gun

Wareham Police Officer Ryan Gomes was arrested on Friday, Oct. 23 and charged with raping, strangling and threatening his girlfriend with a gun over a period of multiple years.

The victim told Massachusetts State Police investigators that Gomes, a more than 10-year veteran of the Wareham police force, had nonconsensual sex with her on the night of May 31. She said Gomes gave her an alcoholic beverage and that after drinking it, everything became “fuzzy.” Court documents state that she said she could not provide consent due to being intoxicated.

Court documents outline an abusive pattern of behavior by Gomes alleged by the victim, who was described as his “on again, off again” girlfriend. On one occasion in 2023, Gomes allegedly slammed the victim to the ground and dragged her across the floor after accusing her of having sex with his friend. The incident left bruises across her body. 

The victim said Gomes pointed a gun at her during arguments on 15 separate occasions. She told investigators Gomes said he kept the gun loaded. She also said he cornered her and pointed a taser at her while intoxicated.

Gomes faces one charge of rape, one charge of domestic assault and battery, one count of strangulation and 15 counts of assault with a firearm. He pleaded not guilty in Wareham District Court on Monday, Oct. 26 and is being held without bail.

The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Trainings Commission, which certifies and trains law enforcement officers, suspended Gomes on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The Wareham Police Department placed Gomes on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to Lt. Bryan Whalen. The department declined to comment further.