DA shocked over detective allegations

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley says he's shocked. Just a few weeks ago the DA got word from a source that a Jamestown police detective was misappropriating evidence. The DA won't say yet exactly what kind of evidence was involved or what the detective was apparently doing with it. The detective's alleged actions could create major problems for past and current cases that he worked on.

Foley said, “Very surprised that it occurred, a police officer that I knew, that I thought did a capable job. It’s a little bit shocking when it's happening in police departments, police officers as well.”

The detective recently helped collect evidence in the Eric Chant case. Chant was accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl last summer. He could have faced 25 years to life but Chant was offered a plea, partially because the Jamestown detective could have tampered with evidence in other cases. Now Chant is receiving 25 years and 20 years post supervision after taking a plea for first-degree rape.

The DA says cases from years ago could have also been affected and he will now be notifying defense attorneys from all over the county.