Crime & Safety
Sexual Assault Victims Sought In Sonoma County
Police say he has been arrested in two rape cases, and fear there may be more victims. Police list the aliases he's used.
SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Sonoma County man was arrested on suspicion of two sexual assaults, the Santa Rosa Police Department said Wednesday.
The suspect, who has the legal name of only "Shammy," 34, was arrested on April 24 on suspicion of the rape of one woman and the sexual assault of another, according to police.
In late February, detectives received a report of a sexual assault by an acquaintance of the victim. The woman reported that in June 2024, the suspect lured her into his vehicle to have a conversation and then forcibly raped her.
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The suspect was identified as Santa Rosa resident Shammy, who sometimes goes by Sam or Sammy and has used the last name Verma, police said.
Detectives learned that Shammy was also being investigated for a Rohnert Park sexual assault in January. Shammy allegedly forced himself on another woman and sexually assaulted her inside his vehicle.
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Shammy was booked into the Sonoma County jail by both agencies on suspicion of forcible rape and other sexual assault allegations.
He is being held without bail.
Based on his alleged pattern of developing relationships with women, then allegedly sexually assaulting them, police believe there may be additional victims that have yet to come forward.
"Sexual assault victims often hesitate to come forward due to a variety of fears and concerns," said the Santa Rosa Police Department. "Many worry that they won't be believed or that their experiences will be dismissed as exaggerations. Others may feel shame or guilt, mistakenly thinking that the assault was somehow their fault or that they could have prevented it. These feelings are compounded by the fear of facing judgment or retaliation from the perpetrator or others. It's crucial to understand that sexual assault is never the victim's fault; the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.
Victims deserve support, understanding, and justice."
Anyone who may have information helpful to these cases or who has been victimized themselves is encouraged to contact Detective Kelsea Nelson at (707) 543-3595.
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