Police suspend drug lab work pending review of internal investigation

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Police Chief Ralph Evangelous addressed Wilmington city leaders Tuesday to present the crime statistics of 2018.

Before his address to city council, we asked him about the numbers and an update on the review of an internal investigation at the department. Three and a half years worth of drug-related cases are under review by the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office after  police administrators fired a forensic chemist for multiple violations.

The Chief says the District Attorney’s review of the investigation continues. He adds that the former employee violated internal affairs protocols for documenting lab findings. The Chief does not feel that the actions jeopardize any investigations.

“It’s going to be a bunch of nothing. I believe that all of those tests that were done were valid,” said Chief Evangelous, “There’s an overabundance of caution relooking at everything.”

WPD says drug tests will be handled by the state as the investigation is reviewed by the DA. Other tests, such as those for DWI cases, will still be handled at the crime lab.