Drug Cases Dismissed When Investigation Shows Police Falsified Reports

LAW ENFORCEMENT April 1993

At least 20 pending drug cases in Iredell County, North Carolina were dismissed by the local district attorney after an investigation revealed that narcotics officers falsified reports (Jennifer Tescher, "Iredell Drug Cases Are Dismissed; Conduct Of Two Investigators Cited," Charlotte Observer, 3/5/93, 1C).

The dismissals were ordered by District Attorney H.W. Zimmerman in cases involving Statesville, N.C. narcotics officers Thomas Campbell and Wayne Comer, according to the Observer. Court documents show the officers falsified reports and that departmental funds are missing. State and federal charges may be brought.

While precise numbers were not released, up to 100 cases may have been dismissed as a consequence of the report falsification, according to assistant district attorney Lynn Gullett. At least 22 cases are known to have been dismissed, with nearly all involving felony cocaine charges. The charges may be reinstated, District Attorney Zimmerman said.