Oroville, Butte County, California – Former California Highway Patrol officer Vidal Gonzalez, 21, of Oroville, was arraigned today in Butte County Superior Court on multiple felony sexual assault charges. Gonzalez was arrested Wednesday by CHP officers on a warrant issued by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.
According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, Gonzalez faces four felony counts of sexual assault and one felony assault charge following a comprehensive investigation launched in early February. At the time of the alleged crimes, Gonzalez had recently graduated from the CHP academy and was assigned to the Redwood City CHP office.
Authorities say the first victim came forward in February, reporting that Gonzalez had sexually assaulted her in her car during a date at the Oroville Dam while he was off duty. The two had known each other through previous social interactions.
As the investigation continued, additional victims came forward. One woman reported being sexually assaulted by Gonzalez in Chico in November 2024, also while he was off duty.
Gonzalez was immediately placed on administrative leave following the initial complaint and is no longer employed by the CHP. He had served only two weeks in active duty at the Redwood City office before the investigation began. At the time, he maintained a residence in the Bay Area but lived primarily in Oroville.
All reported assaults occurred off duty and involved women Gonzalez had met through social circles. Due to public safety concerns, a judge denied bail at today’s arraignment, and Gonzalez remains in custody at the Butte County Jail.
