Wareham man arrested on sexual assault charges

May 30, 2013

A 23-year-old level 3 sex offender was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a woman at his Oakdale home, police said.

Joseph Gomes of 5 Apple Street is charged with kidnapping, assault to rape, assault and battery, possession of ammunition, and possession of a "large capacity weapon-feeding device."

Wareham Police say Gomes made "aggressive sexual advances toward" a woman at his home at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday and prevented her from leaving the residence. The woman was able to escape unharmed and immediately drove to the Police Department, police said.

Officers arrested Gomes at approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, and a search of his home revealed handgun ammunition and a "large capacity weapon-feeding device," according to police.

In 2012, Gomes was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a person more than 14 years old. A level 3 sex offender is the highest level in Massachusetts. A person is classified as a level 3 offender if the state's Sex Offender Registry Board determines that the risk of reoffending is high.

Gomes was ordered held without bail.