Deputy Arrested on Drug Charges

A Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy faces felony charges after a Wednesday arrest in Palm Springs. The Sheriff’s Department’s Special Investigation Bureau picked up Omar Gomez near Racquet Club Drive and Avenida Caballero around 5:15 p.m.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Lisa McConnell says investigators had previously received information that Gomez was involved in illegal drug activity during off-duty hours.

Jail records show Gomez was arrested on one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of felony possession of a loaded firearm while under the influence of drugs, and one count of possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe.

He was released on $5,000 bail.

Gomez, 42, currently works as a correctional deputy at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. However, he’s also worked patrol duty in the Coachella Valley, and has worked at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. McConnell says Gomez has been put on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

He’s been employed by the Sheriff’s Department since 2007.

Gomez is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 31 at the Larson Justice Center.