CSI Tech Mishandled Evidence In 9 Cases: Police

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A veteran CSI technician with the Miami Beach Police Department has been accused of mishandling evidence in nine criminal cases. Thirteen-year-employee Jason Bruder was relieved of duty with pay and may face criminal charges, acccording to the department's Ernesto Rodriguez.

"Mr. Bruder’s mishandling of evidence resulted in certain items being stored in a temporary storage locker under his exclusive control — in some cases for many months — rather than being officially checked into the MBPD’s evidence storage facility in accordance with department procedures," Rodriguez explained.

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Miami Beach Police Chief Daniel Oates said that officials are reviewing the department's evidence procedures following the July 15 removal of Bruder.

“We take our responsibility to handle evidence very seriously. We discovered this problem and are immediately addressing it," Oates said. "We will pursue criminal charges if they are appropriate."

Rodriguez said that the department's internal affairs unit is reviewing all evidence that was handled by Bruder for the past several years.

"There is no indication at this time that any evidence is missing and no indication that money or narcotics were involved," Rodriguez said.

The department supplied the temporary storage locker where the evidence had been stored. The locker was intended to hold evidence for a time, according to Rodriguez.

Rodriguez added that the department is working closely with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano