'Missing' Police Evidence May Put the Brakes on Internal Investigation

When Southampton Town Police Chief Robert Pearce asked to see evidence related to a new internal investigation into the now-defunct street crime unit, officers reported that money and drugs tagged as evidence were "missing," according to a report by 27east.

The publication reported the evidence had been stored in a secure room at police headquarters and was originally discovered by former Police Chief William Wilson.

To read the report on 27east, click here. [subscription required]

Wilson, who stepped down in November after 18 months on the job, recently spoke out about the Street Crime Unit, stating that a police officer, Eric Sickles, whose job it was to conduct drug investigations, became addicted to prescription painkillers himself, under the noses of his supervisors.

While investigations have commenced — Suffolk County internal affairs officers investigated the matter, and the Suffolk County district attorney’s office initiated a review of more than 100 cases conducted by the Street Crime Unit while Sickles was purportedly addicted — no one has been held fully accountable, Wilson said.

Sickles’ commanding officer, Lt. James Kiernan was suspended for six months — though Wilson thought he should be fired — and Sickles was suspended indefinitely. Wilson said he also thought that then-Lt. Robert Pearce, who Kiernan looped in about the situation, also should have been disciplined, but the Southampton Town Board would not entertain the notion. Instead, a board majority promoted Pearce to captain against Wilson’s wishes, and Pearce was named the new chief to replace Wilson.

Related Reading:

• Former Chief: Police Department Failed Addicted Officer
• Robert Pearce Unanimously Named Police Chief
• Chief Wilson Stepping Down From Town Police Department
• Town Police Reviewing Street Crimes Cases
• Former Chief Overton Calls Cop Criticism 'Political'
• Cop at Center of Controversy May Be Suspended
• DA: Southampton Cop's Drugs Cases Tossed Out
• Southampton Town Police Lieutenant Put on Leave
• Officer Sickles Suspended Without Pay
• Southampton Town Police Lt. Kiernan Suspended