Detective Gomez Jr. police powers were suspended in August during an internal investigation and has now been charged with one felony count of misconduct in public office in connection with the physical abuse of a murder suspect.
By H. Nelson Goodson
October 31, 2013
Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Milwaukee Police Detective Rodolfo Gomez Jr., 46, was charged with one felony count of misconduct in public office, including excessive use authority. Gomez Jr. posted a $10,000 signature bond and if convicted, Gomez Jr. Is facing up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. He is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on November 12.
Gomez Jr. has been suspended with pay until the outcome of the case. He is accused of beating Deron Darnell Love on August 14, while handcuffed during an interrogation. Gomez Jr. was caught on video surveillance in the interrogation room punching Love in the upper body. Gomez Jr. was removed from the room by another officer who witnessed the beating. Gomez Jr. came back in with several Milwaukee County Sheriff deputies to move Love into another cell. Gomez Jr. is also seen grabbing Love's head and bringing it down to knee him, according to the criminal complaint.
The Milwaukee Police Department referred Gomez Jr. to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office for prosecution after an internal investigation determined that Gomez Jr. violated department policy.
Love who was charged with two felony counts of homicide in the death of his 7-year-old son was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The suspect's attorney had requested a copy of the video from the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office, but his request was denied until the investigation was completed.
