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Rogue FDLE Chemist In Escambia County May Have Compromised Hundreds Of Drug Cases
February 2, 2014
A chemist at a Pensacola crime lab could have compromised hundreds of state drug cases, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey said Saturday.
As a result, FDLE has begun a criminal investigation and a statewide review of all crime-laboratory drug evidence.
The investigation was triggered by the discovery that prescription pain pills had gone missing from the evidence room at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The missing drugs had been replaced with over-the-counter medications, prompting Escambia Sheriff David Morgan and State Attorney Bill Eddins of the 1st Judicial Circuit to call in FDLE.
On Thursday, Bailey said, investigators determined that each case involving missing drugs had been analyzed by the same chemist.
The chemist, who has been relieved of his duties but not charged, processed 2,600 cases for 80 law-enforcement agencies spanning 12 judicial circuits and 35 Florida counties since 2006. The cases mostly affect counties in North and West Florida, but extend as far south as Monroe County.
Bailey said the motive was unclear. “It could be personal use. It could be trafficking,” he said. “We don’t know.”
He said there was no indication the motive was to compromise any criminal cases, but that could be the effect.
Beginning Monday, FDLE teams will be deployed to inspect all evidence handled by the chemist. Each regional special agent in charge is contacting local law-enforcement leaders and state attorneys regarding pending cases.
“We’re going to start from zero,” Bailey said.
In addition to the investigation, FDLE will review its laboratory protocols to prevent a recurrence. Bailey said FDLE currently administers a drug test upon hiring and, after that, “for cause.”
“We’re going to look at the rules and regs governing drug testing,” he said. “But again, we don’t know that this chemist was actually ingesting drugs.”
Bailey also said he had spoken with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who offered the services of the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The commissioner said he’d been advised not to release the name of the chemist, who is being compelled to use paid annual leave until his status is resolved.
“As soon as the state attorney sees that what is there is what we think is there, we are going to hurdle the bureaucratic obstacles and he will be terminated,” Bailey said.
Bailey said he was shocked by the discovery and wouldn’t have suspected the employee, who isn’t cooperating with the investigation.
“The chemist has lawyered up,” Bailey said.
Comments
8 Responses to “Rogue FDLE Chemist In Escambia County May Have Compromised Hundreds Of Drug Cases”
I would be more concerned with the carjackers, home invaders, murderers, thieves etc. before I would care about some guy/gal taking a pain pill. Legalize marijuana and people would stop with the pills in the first place.
goes to show you, people that makes big money are greety and want more.It might be a group of people not just one person.If that was a regular person they woudnt be getting time off with pay.oh well the prsoners ae laughing now going out the door. there are no jobs here so people has to do something for a living. If the commissioners would get jobs in here crime would go down.If they would let casinos build here you would see crime go down to.you dont hear bad crime in boloxi or atmore.pensacola has become a bad place to live because of crime.
Betchya the FDLE chemist only gets a few years of probation.
“Your honor, my indigent client was charged with drug trafficking when he was found in his $60,000 car with $100,000 cash and $20,000 worth of guns but a retest of the ‘drugs’ has determined they are Chicklets. Therefore, i ask you to overthrow the conviction and the original charges.”
“The container still tested positive for having held the original drugs and the Chicklers were known to have been substituted in other instances for just such drugs, so request denied.”
One agencies disaster could be a narcotics charge defendant’s answered prayer.
Wise of the chemist to remain silent and to lawyer up.
Jane– read the article again. The problem may be with a FDLE lab worker. I’m the first to complain about lawyers and some judges but this does not appear to be them this time. Over the years ‘things” have disappeared from the evidence rooms at lab’s and departmental evidence rooms. Guns, drugs and other property. Where there is a desire to misuse a persons position and steal they will find a way. Book keepers who play with the company books and cause the business to have to close, “trusted” employee who steal and on and on.
This is pretty devastating news.
Now they will put the druggies back out on the streets, after all our law enforcement people have gone through to keep us safe. And the wonder why we don’t trust lawyers or our judicial system.