Gwinnett County's district attorney says he doesn't know what happened to two kilos of cocaine that disappeared from Gwinnett County Police Department headquarters more than a year ago. A year-long investigation provided some some clues, but raised more questions and ultimately, pointed no fingers.
"It just didn't rise to the level of a prosecutable case," said DA Danny Porter. The investigation was stymied by, among other things:
- poor documentation
- videotape evidence that disappeared when a computer was replaced
- poor security surrounding a safe.
"I'm confident that the measures the chief has put into place will prevent a repeat of this. But it is a matter of great concern," Porter said.
"We expect better from this police department. Citizens expect better from this police department," said Chief Charles Walters.
Every manager in Gwinnett PD's Special Investigations Section has been replaced in the past 18 months, according to Chief Walters. One Lieutenant with oversight has been indicted on charges unrelated to the missing drugs.
"Sometimes you can't find out what happened, but you can prevent it from happening in the future. That may be what we have to accept," Porter said.
Porter says the investigation is now closed.