Hundreds of criminal cases in Norfolk County could potentially be in jeopardy.This comes after an audit of a police evidence room.This is all still under investigation, but 5 Investigates has learned a recent audit report done by an outside contractor focused on the evidence room of the Braintree Police Department.Sources tell 5 Investigates that audit found missing evidence, including cash, drugs and guns.For the past four months, the evidence room of the Braintree Police Department has been the focus of an audit looking into the cash, drugs, guns and other property seized by police and the records kept in the department.5 Investigates has learned the audit focused on evidence from 2013 through May of this year and exposed an evidence room in disarray.In a statement, Braintree Mayor Joe Sullivan told us the "review is active and ongoing" and the "evidence is from both criminal and civil cases."That review included looking at evidence and records and involved interviews with members of the department. Sources tell 5 Investigates the officer in charge of the evidence room died unexpectedly in May.A spokesperson for the Norfolk District Attorney's Office said they've taken steps to allow prosecutors to act swiftly on cases if needed and they've notified defense attorneys on cases that could be impacted.He added that the DA's Office is very aware of the constitutional implications.The findings of the audit could have an impact on both settled and pending cases.

Hundreds of criminal cases in Norfolk County could potentially be in jeopardy.



This comes after an audit of a police evidence room.




This is all still under investigation, but 5 Investigates has learned a recent audit report done by an outside contractor focused on the evidence room of the Braintree Police Department.



Sources tell 5 Investigates that audit found missing evidence, including cash, drugs and guns.



For the past four months, the evidence room of the Braintree Police Department has been the focus of an audit looking into the cash, drugs, guns and other property seized by police and the records kept in the department.



5 Investigates has learned the audit focused on evidence from 2013 through May of this year and exposed an evidence room in disarray.



In a statement, Braintree Mayor Joe Sullivan told us the "review is active and ongoing" and the "evidence is from both criminal and civil cases."



That review included looking at evidence and records and involved interviews with members of the department. Sources tell 5 Investigates the officer in charge of the evidence room died unexpectedly in May.



A spokesperson for the Norfolk District Attorney's Office said they've taken steps to allow prosecutors to act swiftly on cases if needed and they've notified defense attorneys on cases that could be impacted.



He added that the DA's Office is very aware of the constitutional implications.



The findings of the audit could have an impact on both settled and pending cases.