Fired deputy tied to alleged Goforth mistress loses appeal

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A commission has upheld the termination of a Harris County Sheriff's deputy accused of ties to the alleged mistress of fallen Deputy Darren Goforth.

Jason Goodrich, 28, went before the Civil Service Commission today to appeal his termination.

VIDEO: Woman claiming to be Goforth's mistress speaks exclusively to abc13

The woman at the center of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth's murder investigation and scandal hasn't spoken -- until now.

VIDEO: Deputy Darren Goforth's loved ones slam affair allegations

We've learned a witness to Deputy Darren Goforth's murder says she was romantically involved with him, but the officer's loved ones are slamming those claims.

Cameras were allowed inside the appeal hearing, where commissioners decided Goodrich's firing was appropriate.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office had said previously that Goodrich was fired for inappropriate communication with two witnesses in separate cases, including the woman who claims to be the mistress of Darren Goforth.

Sheriff Ron Hickman said previously that communications allegedly made by Goodrich were not "sexual in nature." But, Goforth's alleged mistress told abc13 Goodrich had in fact sent emails and returned in person to try and start a sexual relationship with her. In testimony this morning Goodrich clarified that the text messages he sent the woman were in fact sexual in nature.

VIDEO: Another deputy fired with Goforth mistress connection

The HCSO says another deputy, Deputy J. Goodrich, was fired today for inappropriate communication with two witnesses in separate cases.

VIDEO: Witness in Dep. Darren Goforth murder claims romantic relationship

The woman at the center of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth's murder investigation and scandal hasn't spoken -- until now.

Goodrich was formerly assigned to the patrol bureau, but was transferred to the jail last October.

The deputy was not the only one fired for alleged contact with Goforth's alleged mistress. Last October, Sgt. Craig Clopton was fired for a sexual relationship with her, in addition to the firing of HCSO employee Marc DeLeon.

Goodrich said, "I made mistakes. I'm sorry to the department. I'm sorry to my family."

VIDEO: Firings raise questions at Harris County Sheriff's Office

The recent HSCO firings are raising questions about the culture at the department.

VIDEO: Hearing focuses on alleged mistress of fallen deputy

Court hearing for suspect in Deputy Goforth murder.

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