Thousands of Florida Cases Under Review After Evidence-Tampering

Chemist swiped drugs

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Law Enforcement today revealed that it is reviewing thousands of criminal cases across the state —including ones in Central Florida — after prescription pain pills vanished from an evidence room in the Panhandle.

Investigators said the drugs had been replaced with over-the-counter medications and each case had been analyzed by one Pensacola chemist, who wasn't named.

That chemist, who worked in FDLE's Pensacola Regional Crime Laboratory, is under a criminal investigation and has been relieved of duty with pay.