Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jun 2005
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2005 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Author: Lisa Emmerich, Sentinel Staff Writer

FORMER SHERIFF'S EVIDENCE MANAGER GETS THREE YEARS FOR STEALING DRUGS

DELAND -- A former Volusia County Sheriff's Office evidence manager
was sentenced to three years in prison and 10 years probation today
for stealing nearly $500,000 worth of drug evidence from the DeLand
compound he supervised.

Tim Wallace, of New Smyrna Beach, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to
traffic cocaine and official misconduct. He was arrested in February
2004 after investigators said he altered records and replaced some
drug evidence with sod to try to hide the thefts.

"He abused the public's trust, he abused our trust and he's going to
have to suffer the consequences," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Gary
Davidson. "I think (the sentence) is appropriate under the
circumstances."

At least 370 pounds of marijuana and 1.89 pounds of cocaine were
missing from the evidence locker, police said. A Marine Corps veteran,
Wallace was fired in February 2004 for neglecting his duties at the
compound. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)