PASSAGE OF THE DAY: "This time, an internal investigation found no wrongdoing by the chief but did find that evidence, including two small bags of cocaine, was mishandled by an officer. In December, Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza removed two boxes of evidence from the former home of Fall River police officer Steven Washington. Washington’s ex-wife, Laura Washington, had found the boxes as she was preparing to sell her home. When she realized they contained police files, she contacted Cardoza so they could be properly removed. Last month, rumors surfaced that the boxes were filled with drugs and that Cardoza improperly disposed of that evidence. Cardoza said he was surprised when he learned of the allegations, and he immediately ordered an investigation with the department’s Office of Professional Standards. He also notified Mayor Paul Coogan. "
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STORY: "More mishandled evidence? Fall River police investigate boxers found at officers home, published (unattributed) on September 15, 2021.
GIST: "On the heels of an independent investigation that led to the suspension of two Fall River police detectives for mishandling drug evidence, a second investigation was launched last month, this time involving the police chief.
This time, an internal investigation found no wrongdoing by the chief but did find that evidence, including two small bags of cocaine, was mishandled by an officer.
In December, Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza removed two boxes of evidence from the former home of Fall River police officer Steven Washington. Washington’s ex-wife, Laura Washington, had found the boxes as she was preparing to sell her home. When she realized they contained police files, she contacted Cardoza so they could be properly removed.
Last month, rumors surfaced that the boxes were filled with drugs and that Cardoza improperly disposed of that evidence.
Cardoza said he was surprised when he learned of the allegations, and he immediately ordered an investigation with the department’s Office of Professional Standards. He also notified Mayor Paul Coogan.
What was in the evidence boxes:
The investigation, conducted by Capt. Barden Castro, found that the two boxes contained file copies of cases that Steve Washington had worked on in past years when he was assigned to Major Crimes Unit and the Vice squad.
According to Castro’s report, a police department civilian employee reviewing the contents of the box in February also found two small bags of tagged evidence containing cocaine.
Capt. Paul Gauvin had reported in February that the drugs were found, and Washington was ordered to properly enter the evidence.
Washington, a 25-year police department veteran, who had served in the Vice Unit and with the Special Victims Unit and had an unblemished disciplinary record, received informal verbal counseling, according to a memo by Gauvin.
Cardoza said the investigation also revealed that the drug evidence had been used in a controlled drug buy and did not lead to any arrests.
“Yes, there was a violation of police policy and he was disciplined,” said Cardoza.
Castro's report found no wrongdoing on Cardoza's part.
Why this incident is being investigated now:
Coogan, who is facing a preliminary election next Tuesday against three challengers, including City Council President Cliff Ponte, questioned the timing of the allegations against Cardoza, whom he appointed 18 months ago.
“Do I think this was politically motivated?” said Coogan. “Yes, I do. It’s funny that it comes out now. Was everything done by the book? It sounds like it wasn’t, but it was addressed.”
Laura Washington, who is a candidate in the November election for City Council and a Coogan supporter, also questioned the timing. An addiction specialist by profession, she said it was important to note that the removal of the boxes from her home took place last December, but is “now suddenly newsworthy enough for a network television reporter to be interested in.” She said she heard a TV news reporter was looking into the rumors.
“I am at peace with my decision in this matter, as I did what I thought was right,” said Laura Washington. “I am disheartened, however, that there are obviously politically motivated agendas at play here.”
Another in a line of controversies for Fall River police:
In recent years, the Fall River Police Department has come under scrutiny for alleged misconduct. Former Chief Albert Dupere resigned his position in March 2020 after he was recorded visiting a bar during work hours.
The city is also facing some lawsuits related to alleged police brutality and the shooting death of a man in the Industrial Park by a city officer during a drag race.
In June, after several months' investigation by former Fall River Police Chief John Souza, a report was released explaining that three safes containing drug evidence were found in the cubicle of former detective Joshua Robillard.
Robillard and former detective Sgt. Luis Duarte were suspended without pay and reassigned, as Souza recommended. It is unclear at this time how many criminal cases may be affected by the discovery.
The FRPD, like police departments across the country, has seen an uptick in officer retirements and has had difficulty filling slots in the police academy. Cardoza, as well as Coogan and Ponte, acknowledge the FRPD has a morale problem.
“What is most concerning is that despite my best efforts to unify FRPD, in particular leadership, behind the work we do on behalf of the city and its residents, some individuals appear to be intent on discrediting me and the agency,” said Cardoza. “I will not allow rumors, innuendo and misguided attempts to tarnish my reputation or to detract from the hard work and dedication exhibited daily by the overwhelming majority of FRPD’s sworn and civilian staff.”
Ponte, who expressed his concern regarding the prior investigation that resulted in suspensions, said he hasn’t spoken with the chief about this recent investigation. While he said he’s aware of an investigation, he added, “I haven’t heard the facts about the matter.”
“Regardless of the rumors or the situation, there is the need for a fair and impartial investigation because we certainly have morale issues at the Fall River Police Department,” said Ponte. ""
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