East Point Police Sergeant, Richard Gooddine, 38, was indicted on 17 charges this week for incidents that happened between 2011 and 2018 involving four females, including two who were under 16.
And prosecutors believe there may be more victims.
Gooddine was terminated August 22 before being indicted on charges of aggravated sexual battery, violation of an oath by a public officer, child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, sexual assault by law enforcement agency employee and threatening to cause physical or economic harm.
Gooddine victimized the four women on four different occasions, during 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The latest incident in 2018 involved one of the minors' mother. The minor was out past curfew with friends and the officer told the friends to all go home but told the minor to go in the back of his patrol car.
After he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old for hours in his patrol car, he dropped her back off at her mother's home.
Her mother immediately took her to the Atlanta Medical Center South where Gooddine attempted to intimidate and threaten them by showing up to the hospital. Gooddine was roaming the hallways when hospital staff removed him from the property.
Each of the aggravated sexual battery charges against Gooddine carries a possible sentence of 25 years to life.
In 2016, Gooddine sexually assaulted Rosa Woodard by fondling her breast.
Gooddine arrested her for driving on a suspended license. After handcuffing her with her 4-year-old in the car, he grabbed her breast in a demeaning manner and appeared to be trying to get a thrill out of it while smelling like alcohol.
The 2011 case was originally investigated and turned over to the district attorney but they did not press charges in fear of re-traumatizing her.
The attorney for the 15-year-old released a statement:
> “While it is astonishing that it took over seven years and four victims to reach this point, the family will undoubtedly be relieved that this individual, who hid behind the protection of his badge, will finally have to face legal consequences for the allegations against him. We are thankful for the bravery of the past victims and witnesses who have come forward and we encourage others who may have useful information to continue reaching out to our office so we can pursue justice for the victims.”
District Attorney Paul Howard is currently looking for other possible victims and can be reached at (404) 613-4984.