Former Achille mayor speaks out before arrest in evidence room break-in

Investigators say the charges stem from an incident in March when several items were reported missing from the Achille Police Department's evidence room. Enter Article DATE HERE ACHILLE, Okla. – An embattled former Oklahoma mayor says it is time for him to be held accountable for his actions. Around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Durant police arres...

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Drugs, guns, money missing from police evidence room, report finds. Are cases at risk?

The Atwater evidence locker was maintained "sub par at best" without any consistency, proper oversight and included a space at a mini-storage without an alarm, according to a state Department of Justice report. May 10, 2019 The Atwater evidence locker until recently was maintained "sub-par at best" without any consistency, proper oversight and incl...

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The Evidence In The Vaults Below The Courthouse

The oldest evidence Nicks keeps is from a murder case back in the 1970s. May 3, 2019 As you enter the San Diego Superior Court's evidence storage vaults, the sound that greets you is rushing water. Like a spa, or a relaxing fountain. Except this water runs through a pipe overhead labeled sanitary waste. "It's funny until you have to work under it a...

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After scandal, ‘nothing to hide’ in new Braintree police evidence room

Braintree police are about to put a one-of-a-kind, $500,000 evidence room into service, built in response to a scandal that shook the department. April 18, 2019 BRAINTREE − There's a whole lot of glass inside the Braintree Police Department's new evidence room, but not a single window to the outside. From where the evidence officers sit, they can l...

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Trenton cop who allegedly stole from evidence room gets PTI, loses job

He was also required to give up his $105K-a-year job on the force April 10, 2019 TRENTON — Hector Gonzalez's sticky hands have landed him in the unemployment line, but he managed to avoid jail and a felony record as part of a sweetheart deal with prosecutors. The Trenton cop quietly charged with stealing from the police evidence room agreed to give...

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Fargo Police got calls inquiring about 'evidence raffle' after April Fools' prank

The post announced the department was hosting its "first ever" raffle April 1, 2019 The post announced the department was hosting its "first ever" raffle, and that a $20 ticket would get the buyer a box of "goodies" from the evidence room. Though the post had the hashtag #AprilFools, the Fargo Police Department said its evidence room got calls aski...

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Hearing reset for Marion police officer accused of stealing drugs

Williams is accused of going into an unauthorized evidence room on several occasions and pocketing marijuana and pills. Enter Article DATE HERE March 26, 2019 MARION, Ark. — There's another delay in the case of a Marion police officer charged with taking drugs from a police evidence room. Freddy Williams is accused of going into an unauthorize...

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Jewelry returned to owner after sitting in Laurens Co evidence room for 25 years

"We had stuff here it was just packed up everywhere" he explained, walking through one of the newly organized rooms. Enter Article DATE HERE LAURENS Co., - He's been organizing evidence at the Laurens County Sheriff's Office for about 2 years, and the work still isn't over for Sgt. Kimbrell. "We had stuff here it was just packed up everywhere"...

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Police request help locating owner of wedding albums found in evidence room inventory

The American Fork Police Department is trying to reunite photo albums from its evidence room with their owner, and they are asking the public for its help March 20, 2019 UPDATE: American Fork police said the owner of the photo albums has been identified and contact. "Thank you so much for everyone's help," American Fork Police Department said. (KUT...

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Former deputy hit with 16 felonies

The indictments note that Smathers did "break and enter the Haywood County Sheriff's Office evidence room with the intent to commit a larceny or felony therein." Enter Article DATE HERE A former Haywood County Sheriff's Deputy has been indicted on several felonies, including trafficking Oxycodone. Former detective Kevin Smathers was terminated...

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Galesburg police officer reunites long-lost wedding ring with family

Found a wedding ring which had sat in an evidence vault for years Enter Article DATE HERE GALESBURG, Ill. (WEEK) — The detective work of one dedicated Galesburg police officer reunited a family with their parents' long-lost wedding ring. Earlier this month, Sgt. Bryan Anderson found a wedding ring which had sat in an evidence vault for years. ...

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DA: Marijuana missing from Santa Rosa PD evidence room

Santa Rosa Police lost 19 pounds of marijuana from its evidence room February 13, 2019 Santa Rosa Police lost 19 pounds of marijuana from its evidence room, according to the Cameron County District Attorney, and now Police Chief Ronnie Hernandez's job is on the line. Santa Rosa aldermen are holding a special meeting Thursday to review Hernandez's w...

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Arkansas police officer charged with tampering with evidence, accused of stealing drugs

He had full access to the general evidence locker and was actually in charge of that and would not normally have access to the narcotics locker February 12, 21019 An Arkansas police officer was caught – on camera – stealing drugs from the evidence room, according to officials within the very same police department. Lt. Freddy Williams is charged wi...

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Former Bunkie police chief to plead 'not guilty' to malfeasance charges


According to Louisiana State Police, Corner allowed multiple pieces of evidence to be unsecured, misplaced, and lost February 22, 2019 AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (KALB) - Former Bunkie chief of police, Bobby Corner, is set to plead 'not guilty' on Tuesday at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse to charges of malfeasance in office, malfeasance in office by ta...

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Details emerge from investigation into former Campbell Police Chief

Alleged to have taken items including a glass mason jar with a marijuana leaf painted on it, a Fraternal Order of Police emblem, a Crown Royal cloth bag and a liter of vodka. January 29, 2019 Documents obtained from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation shed further light on the events leading up to the resignation of former Campbell Police Chief De...

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West Virginia: Newly Elected Sheriff Arrested for Stealing Meth from Evidence Room—Second Day on Job

Williams was caught stealing methamphetamine from the evidence room for his personal consumption. January 16, 2019 Charleston, WV — To those who frequent the Free Thought Project, you will know that positions of power often attract unscrupulous individuals, who seek out this power to give themselves an advantage that doesn't come with being an aver...

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Ex-sergeant arrested in Alamo over glasses, again

Ray Bans that had been placed in the evidence property room. January 10, 2019 ALAMO — A former police sergeant here was arrested Tuesday over a pair of Ray Bans, marking the second occasion in four months that he was placed under arrest over the glasses. Rodney Guerra, 45, was arrested on a third-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence and ...

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Former Elizabeth Borough chief charged with stealing drug evidence

Thousands of empty bags of heroin were found throughout Butler's office, authorities said. December 21, 2018 Former Elizabeth Borough police Chief Timothy Butler, who resigned Tuesday night, is accused of stealing drugs from the department's evidence room. Thousands of empty bags of heroin were found throughout Butler's office, authorities said. He...

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Jail ordered for Utah sheriff's employee who stole, ate meth from evidence room

Follum told investigators with the county attorney's office that she had become addicted while working there and stole drugs from evidence over three years December 19, 2018 OGDEN — A Weber County sheriff's employee who compromised 20 criminal cases when she stole and used meth that was being held as evidence carried out a "devastating" violation o...

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This Maryland cop went from a decorated commander to raiding evidence room for drugs. And he's not alone.


"It's like you're putting them in the candy store" December 17, 2018 Every mile brought Lt. Dan Gosnell closer to relief. His body ached for the little white pills, though his mind shouted to turn back. "What the hell are you doing?" the young police commander asked himself out loud. His pickup cruised east through Harford County. The Aberdeen poli...

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Trenton cop under investigation for alleged theft from evidence room


It's unclear at this point what may have been stolen from the evidence room, a secure facility at TPD headquarters that is under constant surveillance because of the sensitive items stored there for criminal cases. Enter Article DATE HERE TRENTON — A city police officer was suspended this week while authorities investigate allegations that he ...

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Official: Someone breaks into criminal court evidence room


Morrell plans on taking inventory of the room Friday. It is unclear if anything was taken.​ November 9, 2018 NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The evidence room at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court was broken into Thursday night, according to the clerk of court. Arthur Morrell said he is not sure what time it happened, but officials discovered a lock to th...

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John Siranovic was found guilty of taking about $10,000 from an evidence room


Former Smith Township Police Chief John Siranovic was sentenced Wednesday for stealing money from a police evidence room. November 7, 2018 YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - Former Smith Township Police Chief John Siranovic was sentenced Wednesday for stealing money from a police evidence room. A judge sentenced him to two years in prison, to be served...

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US: Ex-cop Pleads Guilty in Police Corruption Scandal


Court documents say that in October 2016, Rayam and other officers were chasing a suspect who suddenly threw nine ounces of cocaine out of his car window. Instead of placing the drugs in the police evidence room, Rayam suggested selling them. November 8, 2018 A Philadelphia police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to selling drugs with corrupt member...

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Halifax police probe allegations that evidence was mishandled; staffers on leave


Earlier this year, Halifax police completed an audit about thousands of items that had gone missing over several decades. Enter Article DATE HERE Halifax police are investigating four of their own staff over allegations that property was mishandled. They say the items in the force's property and exhibit section had been designated for destruct...

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Former Bella Vista Officer Sentenced For Drug Thefts


Roberts, who was given access to the evidence room in 2015, said he had an addiction and began taking pills from the narcotics room because he liked the way they made him feel. October 23, 2018 BENTONVILLE (KFSM) — A former Bella Vista police officer was sentenced Tuesday (Oct. 23) to 60 days in jail and six years probation for stealing prescriptio...

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Former Grant County detective accused of stealing prescription drugs from evidence room


Enter Headline here October 16m 2018 GRANT COUNTY, Ind.– A former detective in the Grant County Sheriff's Office is facing charges following an Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation. Veteran Det. Lt. Shelby Taylor resigned in August after more than 20 years on the job. State police initially said their investigation was about misconduct and thef...

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Water leak in evidence room at Ingham County Sheriff's Office


This is not the first leak in the evidence room. A sewage leak in 2012 wasn't reported to the prosecutor's office for 4 years. Hundreds of pieces of evidence were destroyed October 11, 2018 Mason, Mich. - A water leak was discovered in the evidence room at the Ingham County Sheriff's Office in Mason this week. Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth tells FOX4...

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Ex-Edcouch cop accused in elaborate drug heist gets 39 months


A former police lieutenant with the Edcouch Police Department accused of staging a drug seizure in order to steal cocaine from the agency's evidence room October 4, 2018 McALLEN — A former police lieutenant with the Edcouch Police Department accused of staging a drug seizure in order to steal cocaine from the agency's evidence room was sentenced Tu...

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Kern Corruption: A look at the stolen drugs (follow-up)


According to grand jury transcripts unsealed Friday, the former deputies took 34 lbs. of processed marijuana, worth about $34,000 from a KCSO evidence room. September 29, 2019 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Investigators said Logan August and Derrick Penney stole marijuana from KCSO evidence September 18, 2014 -- the same day they confiscated it during a ma...

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Weber County Sheriff’s employee accused of using meth on the job appears in court


A former Weber County Sheriff's employee accused of taking methamphetamine stolen from the evidence room appeared in court. Enter Article DATE HERE Candice Follum faces 20 charges of altering a record, a third-degree felony; and 20 counts of drug possession, a class A misdemeanor. Weber County prosecutors said Follum admitted to taking drugs f...

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Ex chief goes on trial over missing 10k


The former Smith Township police chief, was the only person who held the key to the department's evidence room September 25, 2018 Prosecutors said Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that John Siranovic, the former Smith Township police chief, was the only person who held the key to the department's evidence room, failed to show proper doc...

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Madison County Sheriff suspended following recent felony and misdemeanor charges


Photos of the meth and pipe found on the informant were taken, but they were not in an evidence locker where they should have been and were not found in Thompson's office, either. September 11, 2018 Madison County commissioners voted to suspend Sheriff Roger Thompson for three months with pay on Tuesday following criminal charges of tampering with ...

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Defense attorneys worry evidence missing after KCPD warehouse fire


Police Department. Defense attorneys say cases are stalling and they're not sure some evidence can be salvaged. September 14, 2018 KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- We're now learning the impact of a fire that damaged an evidence warehouse used by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department. Defense attorneys say cases are stalling and they're not sure some evidence ...

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Murder charges dropped after gun goes missing before Brighton murder trial


The disarray in Brighton's evidence collection could be why charges were dropped this week in a 2015 murder case September 12, 2018 BRIGHTON, AL (WBRC) - A murder case has been dropped in Brighton after a gun and shell casings come up missing. Court documents say Brighton Police lost the critical evidence. Brighton's chief is reorganizing because o...

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Ex-deputy allegedly sold guns to pawn shops for cash; GBI investigating


Daniel Lang is accused of stealing weapons from the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office evidence room September 11, 2018 The GBI is investigating a former Rockdale County deputy accused of stealing guns from the sheriff's office's evidence room and selling them for cash, Channel 2 Action News reported. "There was a tip received in reference to the han...

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Centralia Police Chief Assures Council Evidence Room Troubles Are in the Past


FINDINGS: Prosecutor Rules No Evidence of Criminal Wrongdoing but Issues Letter Stating Evidence Room Mishaps Could Affect Cases​ August 30, 2018 Centralia Chief of Police Carl Nielsen appeared in front of the city council Tuesday evening to further explain the results of two internal investigations into mishandled and misplaced evidence at the dep...

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Former Deputy Sentenced To 50 Years


The sheriff realized there was evidence missing from the evidence room, and found numerous evidence bags in Mr. Barrett's office Enter Article DATE HERE Kathy Mudd•Thu, Aug 16, 2018 Michael Lee Barrett, 40, the former evidence custodian for the Jasper County Sheriff's Office pled guilty to 94 counts of corruption in court Tuesday. He was sente...

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Weber Sheriff: Policy, procedures put in place to prevent future evidence tampering


The auditors found 110 pieces of evidence that had been tampered with August 24, 2018 In January 2018, it was discovered that a civilian member of the Sheriff's Office had violated the trust that you, the public, have given and expect. This particular employee had been a member of this office for 16 years and was assigned to a critical position wit...

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Two Braintree Police officials named in the evidence room scandal have retired rather than face disciplinary hearings, Mayor Joseph Sullivan said.


"Chief Jenkins and Deputy Chief Foster repeatedly failed to supervise and implement the department's rules and regulations by not conducting the required the required audits and inspections of the evidence room," August 23, 2018 BRAINTREE − Two Braintree Police employees named in the investigation of the department's evidence room have retired rath...

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Lawyer says missing-evidence probe is a plot to frame suspended Atwater police chief


An attorney representing suspended Atwater Police Chief Samuel Joseph said the state probe into evidence missing from the Police Department is nothing more than a scheme "cooked up" to smear his client. August 15, 2018 An attorney representing suspended Atwater Police Chief Samuel Joseph said the state probe into evidence missing from the Police De...

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Thousands of baseball cards in Libertyville police possession may go to auction


Enter Headline here Enter Article DATE HERE In 17 years as an evidence custodian, Libertyville Police Officer Wayne Kincaid has seen swords, battle-axes and assorted oddities come in under his watch. "This is a police department evidence room," he said. "We've got a lot of weird stuff here." But in all that time, Kincaid says he has never seen...

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Report Faults Police Leadership in Evidence Room Scandal


Officer in charge of the room killed herself in 2016 August 9, 2018 The attorney general's investigation into oversight of the Braintree Police Department's evidence room found that guns, drugs, and cash were stolen for years, but determined no criminal charges will be filed. The report released Wednesday said the officer in charge of the room kill...

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Ohio police chief fatally overdosed on drugs taken from evidence room, investigators say


Kirkersville Police Chief James Hughes Jr. was found unresponsive in his home May 25 and pronounced dead shortly after, August 2, 2018 An Ohio police chief died from an accidental fentanyl overdose after the drugs were removed from his department's evidence room, officials said Wednesday. Kirkersville Police Chief James Hughes Jr. was found unrespo...

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Major lapse at Amite police HQ: Drugs, weapons stolen in brazen heist; many cases affected


Ross (trusty) had been allowed to help transport drugs to the Police Department's evidence room and therefore knew where they were stored July 23, 2018 An ex-convict raided the Amite Police Department's evidence room this year and carted off a smorgasbord of prescription pills, heroin and other narcotics, internal police records show — a burglary t...

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Up for auction: Crime evidence, unclaimed lost items from West Chester’s police property room


A wide assortment of electronics, knives, tools, jewelry, even clothes — will soon be listed for sale on PropertyRoom.com, July 20, 2018 WEST CHESTER TWP. — A hodgepodge of property that was either evidence in a crime or found on the streets of West Chester Twp. will soon be available for purchase in an online auction. And starting prices are one c...

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Ex-officer sentenced on drug charges alleges discrimination


Theft of drugs from his department's evidence room July 19, 2018 FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A former Connecticut narcotics detective who pleaded guilty to reduced charges in connection with the theft of drugs from his department's evidence room has filed suit against his town. The Connecticut Post reported Stephen Rilling, 40, argued in his lawsuit filed i...

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Former Tunnel Hill police officer sentenced to 15 years for theft, violation of office


Former Tunnel Hill police officer, pleaded guilty today to stealing $37,000 out of the department's evidence room, July 12, 2018 Scott Reneau, a former Tunnel Hill police officer, pleaded guilty today to stealing $37,000 out of the department's evidence room, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI arrested Reneau in March 2016, a...

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Ex-Royalton cop who stole heroin from police evidence room gets 6 months


Police officer charged with taking heroin and other drugs from the department's evidence closet July 12, 2018 A former Royalton police officer charged with taking heroin and other drugs from the department's evidence closet in July 2017, to give to a woman he was dating, was sentenced to six months in prison on Thursday. John Breault, 31, pleaded g...

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Former Dickinson County officer sentenced for theft


​Pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft for stealing more than $22,000 in cash that had been seized as evidence July 11, 2018 ABILENE — Gregory R. Swanson, a former lieutenant with the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, expressed remorse before being sentenced for felony theft Wednesday in Dickinson County District Court. In April, Swanson, 49...

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