Fairfield Detective Enters Plea In Stolen Narcotics Case

FAIRFIELD, CT — The lead detective of the Fairfield Police Department's narcotics unit pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that he stole thousands of dollars in heroin and OxyContin pills that were seized during police raids, according to the Connecticut Post.

The Post reports Stephen Rilling, 40, a 19-year veteran of the police department, also asked for a jury trial during Friday morning’s court appearance. He faces more than 20 years in prison if convicted of the charges, according to the Post. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Rilling was placed on administrative leave in April pending the results of an internal investigation. Police then began working with the State Attorney's office for a criminal investigation. Police didn't disclose the amount of drugs he took and said it affected a few pending criminal cases.

The drugs were taken from the department's evidence room where a property officer believed they were being removed for legitimate law enforcement purposes, police said.

The alleged thefts are believed to have happened between June 2016 and February 2017. Rilling was charged with second-degree larceny, third-degree computer crime and possession of narcotics.

Rilling, the son of Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, was put on leave three years ago after he admitted to a drug problem and went to rehabilitation, the Connecticut Post previously reported. He was reassigned to narcotics unit after he returned.

Fairfield Police have since changed their evidence procedures, including supervisory approval and dual signature for any follow-up conducted in the evidence room.

Read more about Friday’s court appearance at the Connecticut Post here.

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