Deputy Sheriff On Paid Administrative Leave Following Allegation Of Drug Activity

PALM SPRINGS (CBSLA.com) — A deputy sheriff with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department has been placed on paid administrative leave following an allegation of illegal drug activity while off-duty.

A news release issued by the department says Omar Gomez was arrested about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday.

He was booked into the Larry Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of having a hypodermic needle and other unspecified drug paraphernalia, as well as, having a loaded gun while under the influence.

He has since posted bail, and as of Friday night, had not been charged.

The statement says Gomez's powers as a law enforcement officer have been suspended. An investigation was under way.

Gomez has been with the department since 2007.

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