More Cases Dropped Due to Mishandled Evidence at Braintree Police Department

BRAINTREE, MA — The number of cases dropped due to the Braintree Police Department evidence room audit has doubled since Friday.

As of Tuesday, 22 cases have been thrown out of court, according to the Patriot Ledger. That number was 11 as of Friday afternoon. District Attorney Michael Morrissey said about 200 lawyers have been notified that their clients' cases could be affected by evidence compromised by the Braintree Police Department.

In a letter to the Braintree Town Council, Mayor Joseph Sullivan said he has asked the state's Attorney General's office to review the evidence room. He is expected to give an update to the council at their next meeting.

An audit of the police evidence room was released on Sept. 16. According to the report, 4,709 pieces of narcotics evidence were found to be missing, 38 pieces of narcotics evidence were found to be compromised, 60 firearms were missing, and 2,490 pieces of property evidence were found to be missing.

Image: Patch file photo