East Point Police sergeant fired, accused of sexually assaulting teen

Authorities have confirmed, East Point Police have fired a veteran sergeant with their department on Wednesday following accusations of sexual misconduct against the officer involving a juvenile.

In a statement released to FOX 5, East Point Police confirmed the firing of Sgt. Richard Gooddine.

According to the statement by East Point Police Chief Tommy Gardner, “On August 22, 2018 Richard Gooddine was officially terminated by the East Point Police Department. It was determined during the course of our internal affairs investigation that Gooddine had violated multiple departmental policies and procedures, which resulted in his termination.”

The firing comes after Gooddine was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Monday after a traffic stop.

Investigators said Sgt. Gooddine reportedly told the teen he would take her home, but then took her to an apartment where she claims he sexually assaulted her.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the alleged child molestation at the request of East Point Police.   

According to a G.B.I. document, “it was alleged that EPPD Sgt. Richard Gooddine molested a juvenile female while on duty as a police officer with the EPPD. Investigation continues.”

This isn’t the first time the G.B.I. has investigated Gooddine.

G.B.I. Public Information Officer Nelly Miles told FOX 5’s Aungelique Proctor the agency also investigated a 2011 sexual offense complaint against Gooddine involving a minor.

Miles said the agency completed its investigation and turned everything over the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

But the case was never prosecuted.

According to Fulton County D.A. Public Affairs Director Chris Hopper, the alleged victim was in counseling in 2011 and making progress.

Hopper said, “the office was concerned about certain particulars that might appear at trial that could re-traumatize her.”

Hooper added, “these types of cases are of the highest priority in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.”

East Point Police says Gooddine worked with their department for 11 years.