Former New Bedford K9 Officer Convicted of Indecently Touching a Child

Retired New Bedford Police K-9 officer Jean Gomes was convicted Monday afternoon in Fall River Superior Court of indecently touching a child.

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office tells WBSM News that Gomes, 60, was convicted on one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 by a mandated reporter. He was acquitted on two other counts of the same charge.

The charges stem from January 2015, when a 10-year-old child said Gomes inappropriately touched her on numerous occasions in her home. He was suspended without pay from the New Bedford Police Department after the charges were filed and subsequently retired.

Gomes’ $2500 cash bail was revoked and he has been ordered held without bail until sentencing on May 31, the DA’s office said.

The charge on which Gomes was convicted carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.