OROVILLE, Calif. —
A former California Highway Patrol officer from Oroville was arraigned April 25 in Butte County Superior Court on multiple felony sexual assault charges, according to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.
Vidal Gonzalez, 21, had been working out of the Redwood City CHP office after recently graduating from the academy.
He was arrested in Oroville following a months-long investigation, the Sheriff’s Office stated. Authorities allege Gonzalez sexually assaulted a woman during an off-duty encounter at the Oroville Dam in February. Another victim reported a November 2024 assault in Chico, according to the DA’s office.
DA Mike Ramsey stated Gonzalez was on duty for only two weeks before being placed on leave. He remains held without bail in Butte County Jail.
A former California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer has been arrested and charged with multiple felony assault offenses, authorities confirmed this week, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the 21-year-old who had only recently begun his law enforcement career.
The ex-officer, whose name has not been publicly released pending formal arraignment, was taken into custody following an internal investigation triggered by civilian complaints and body camera footage reviews. According to law enforcement officials, the charges stem from a series of incidents that allegedly occurred while the officer was on duty in the Central Valley region.
Prosecutors say the former officer is facing at least three felony counts of assault under color of authority, a charge that applies when a law enforcement official allegedly abuses their power to commit violence. The alleged assaults involved individuals during routine traffic stops and public encounters over a three-month period earlier this year.
“This is a serious breach of public trust,” said a spokesperson from the California Attorney General’s Office, which is handling the prosecution. “No one is above the law — and that includes those sworn to uphold it.”
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the officer was placed on administrative leave during the investigation and has since been terminated. The agency launched its inquiry after receiving multiple reports from civilians and reviewing video footage that raised concerns about the officer’s conduct.
“We take these allegations extremely seriously,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray in a statement. “Our commitment is to public safety and accountability. Any officer who fails to uphold our standards will be held responsible.”
The former officer was booked into the county jail and is currently being held on bond. His legal counsel has not issued a public statement, and it remains unclear whether he will enter a plea at his upcoming court appearance.
Legal analysts say felony charges of this nature can carry significant prison time if convicted — up to four years per count, depending on aggravating circumstances.
News of the arrest has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some residents expressed outrage and disappointment, others commended the agency for acting quickly and transparently.
“It’s horrifying to hear, but I’m glad they’re not covering it up,” said Miguel Torres, a local resident and former law enforcement officer. “Accountability is everything if you want to rebuild trust.”
The accused officer had only been with the CHP for about a year, having graduated from the academy in late 2023. His rapid rise — and now, his rapid fall — highlights the high-stakes pressure of law enforcement work and the critical importance of oversight and training.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as more details emerge.
