Missing Police Evidence Investigation Delayed

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) Washington County District Attorney Rick Esser says an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report on the agency's probe into missing evidence at the Bartlesville police

Sunday, April 8th 2007, 7:34 pm

By: News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) Washington County District Attorney Rick Esser says an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report on the agency's probe into missing evidence at the Bartlesville police department has been delayed. The OSBI investigation began January 12th at Esser's request, after he learned that evidence seized by Bartlesville police from a home during a June 26th drug raid was missing.

Four people were arrested during the raid, and two of them have pleaded guilty to various charges. They received deferred and suspended sentences.

The two others had been scheduled to appear in court this month, but charges were dismissed because of lack of evidence.

Esser says he is frustrated that the OSBI report is taking so long to produce.

Esser says the investigation has primarily focused on one person.

Related stories:

1/17/2007 - OSBI Investigating Missing Drugs In Bartlesville Police Department

1/26/2007 - Bartlesville Police Chief Gets "No Confidence" Vote

1/29/2007 - Bartlesville Police Problems

3/2/2007 - Police Chief Announces Retirement