Deputy resigns after testimony about testosterone use

Here’s a look at what’s happening in other parts of North Georgia:

This comes less than a month after Deputy Beth Gomez was honored as Whitfield’s employee of the year.

DALTON — On Dec. 6, Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Beth Gomez was named the county’s employee of the year for 2017.

Less than three weeks later, she resigned from the department in the midst of an investigation into her claims that use of testosterone was widespread among deputies.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said sheriff’s Maj. John Gibson.

On Dec. 20, Gomez, a 17-year veteran of the force, testified in court on behalf of Kelly Cox, a former sheriff’s office animal control officer who had been charged with child molestation and other charges. A jury found Cox not guilty.

Gomez testified that she had seen Cox around children, including her own grandchildren, and did not believe he “would ever harm a child.”

On cross-examination, Assistant District Attorney Keely Parker asked Gomez, “Were you aware that the defendant was illegally taking drugs?” “No,” said Gomez. “Now, you arrest people who take drugs if they are not prescribed; is that correct?” said Parker. “Correct,” said Gomez. “Would you trust someone who was taking drugs without a prescription?” asked Parker.

“Are you talking about the testosterone he was taking? Because half the male officers at Whitfield County get it from the nurse, if that’s what you are talking about,” said Gomez.

“So she illegally is giving drugs out to the deputies at Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office?” asked Parker.

“You will have to take that up with her. I don’t know, but I do know of several male officers that take testosterone,” said Gomez.

“Were you aware that the defendant was taking it illegally?” said Parker. “No, I was not,” said Gomez. “Had you known would you have turned him in?” asked Parker. “Yes, I would have,” said Gomez. Cox’s attorney, Brian Steel, said he “could not speak to” any claims about illegal drug use by Cox or other deputies.

Gibson said he was “floored” when he heard about Gomez’s testimony and the sheriff’s office immediately opened an investigation.

“When we interviewed her, she basically recanted her testimony,” he said.

Gibson said Gomez acknowledged that half the male deputies were not using testosterone but that a few might have been “several years ago.”

Charles Oliver, Dalton Daily Citizen