COUNTDOWN: 12 days to Wrongful Conviction Day: (Thursday October 6, 2016);
STORY: "Focus sharpens on Braintree officer in charge of evidence room," by reporter Kathy Curran, published by WCVB on September 23, 2016.
SUB-HEADING: "5 investigates story of missing drugs, money from Braintree Police Department evidence room."
GIST: "As the Braintree Police Department scandal unfolds, 5 Investigates has learned the focus is turning to whether red flags were missed about the officer in charge of the evidence room where drugs, guns and cash have gone missing. That officer, Susan Zopatti, joined the Braintree Police Department back in 1995. She worked patrol until becoming the evidence officer in 2013. A recent audit of the department concentrated on the years Zopatti was in charge of the evidence room and discovered the missing money, firearms and seized drugs. That tainted and missing evidence has already led to criminal charges being dropped for dozens of alleged drug dealers. "Obviously someone compromised the evidence," said retired State Police Maj. Bruce Gordon, who performed the audit. "She was in charge of the evidence locker at the time." Zopatti took her own life within a week of meeting with Gordon. The events in Braintree have led many to question if there were any warning signs missed. Sources tell 5 Investigates that members of the department had suggested there were problems with the evidence and that Zopatti was disoriented at work and needed help. But according to documents obtained by 5 Investigates, her department record was clean......... From the start, Mayor Joe Sullivan has been troubled by the apparent lack of oversight in the department. "We obviously have some real concerns about what's transpired here," he told 5 Investigates. Police Chief Russell Jenkins, who put Officer Zopatti in charge of the evidence room, has announced his retirement, effective in two weeks. The attorney general is investigating and sources tell us more changes within the department may be on the way."
The entire story can be found at:
http://m.wcvb.com/news/focus-sharpens-on-braintree-officer-in-charge-of-evidence-room/41804204
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/
Harold Levy. Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
