On Monday, May 7, 2012, a 
25-year-old female reported to the Wareham Police Department that she had been held against her will and assaulted in a Wareham home during the course of the previous night. After an immediate investigation by Patrol Division and Detective Division personnel, 22-year-old Joseph Gomes of #5 Apple St. in Wareham, a documented level 3 sex offender, was placed under arrest, charged with multiple offenses related to the reported incident.
The female victim reported that she had been held against her will during the night hours of May 6, 2012, and then transported by a vehicle driven by a friend of Mr. Gomes to a medical appointment in the early morning hours of May 7th. According to a statement provided by the victim, Joseph Gomes, a prior acquaintance, held her against her will after she arrived at his home during the evening hours, until approximately 6:30 am. During the night, Mr. Gomes reportedly attempted to rape the victim, assaulted her with a cell phone, and committed indecent assault and battery. The victim also reported that Mr. Gomes forcibly grabbed her by the throat and threatened to harm during the night. The female sustained minor physical injuries during the incident, consisting of scratches and marks on her throat area.
During the night, the female victim attempted to exit the house, but was detained by Mr. Gomes, who threatened her and ordered her to remain at the home. At approximately 6:30 am, the female and Mr. Gomes were transported to a facility in Wareham by a neighbor of Mr. Gomes, where the female was able to get away from Mr. Gomes. The female then reported the incident to the Wareham Police Department at approximately 2:00 pm.
Joseph Gomes, age 25, of #5 Apple St. in Wareham was arrested without incident at his home and has been charged with the following offenses:
1. Kidnapping
2. A&B Dangerous Weapon to wit Cell Phone
3. Attempted Murder
4. Assault to Rape
5. Indecent A&B on a Person Over 14
Mr. Gomes was held overnight without bail at the Wareham Police Department, and was arraigned at Wareham Fourth District Court on May 8th. Mr. Gomes has been ordered to be held at the Plymouth House of Correction. A 58-A Dangerousness Hearing has been scheduled for May 11th at 2:00 pm at Wareham District Court. Please note that investigation into this matter is ongoing, and updates will be provided when necessary.
As part of the ongoing investigation into the incident involving the arrest of Joseph Gomes by the Wareham Police Department on May 7, 2012, a search warrant was executed at his home at #5 Apple St. regarding possible evidence pertaining to the offenses charged. During investigation of the matter, it was learned that Mr. Gomes was in the possession of a machete during the crime, and had threatened to harm the female victim with the weapon during the time that she was reportedly held against her will at his home.
During a search of the home at #5 Apple St., a machete was recovered from the bedroom of Mr. Gomes and secured as evidence pertaining to the crime. Mr. Gomes has also been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, to wit a machete, due to the female reporting that he threatened to harm her with the weapon.
Joseph Gomes is scheduled to appear for a Dangerousness Hearing at Wareham Fourth District Court at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012. As stated in the previous press release, Joseph Gomes has been charged with:
1. Kidnapping
2. A&B Dangerous Weapon to wit Cell Phone
3. Attempted Murder
4. Assault to Rape
5. Indecent A&B on a Person Over 14 (2 cts)
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon to wit a Machete
