Former Petaluma Police Sergeant Faces Assault, Battery Charges

PETALUMA, CA — A former Petaluma police sergeant has been charged with two misdemeanors — battery and assault by an officer — in connection with an incident that took place July 20, 2020, while he was on duty, the Petaluma Police Department confirmed Thursday.

Within hours of the incident, former Petaluma police Sgt. Lance Novello was placed on administrative leave and his police powers were suspended, the police department said in a statement.

The City of Petaluma also referred the matter to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office for an independent investigation.

"To assure the integrity of the investigation being conducted by the District Attorney’s Office, the City’s administrative investigation of the incident was suspended until the District Attorney’s Office completed its criminal investigation," the police department said. "While both investigations were in progress, the officer remained on administrative leave."

Petaluma police did not provide details about the allegations.

Novello is accused of assaulting a young black woman, The Press Democrat reported.

The DA's Office filed charges against Novello on Oct. 15, 2020, and Novello retired on Oct. 18, 2020, the police department said Thursday.

According to Sonoma County Superior Court records, Novello was arraigned on the charges Oct. 26, 2020, and a jury trial expected to last 5-7 days is currently scheduled for Nov. 4.

"The City refrained from making a public statement regarding this case to preserve the integrity of the independent investigation and the criminal justice process, but also to protect the rights of all those involved," the department said. "We are releasing this information at this time in response to a media inquiry. The City remains committed to the criminal justice process through to completion. The City has no additional information to release at this time."