Local

WFTV obtains personnel file for FHP evidence custodian at center of investigation

FLORIDA — WFTV has obtained the personnel file for a former evidence custodian with the Florida Highway Patrol who is at the center of a criminal investigation into missing evidence.

Eric Blackmon’s file shows that during his most recent evaluation, his supervisor made a discovery that there had been a problem with the way Blackmon handled drug evidence.

The supervisor noted in the evaluation that there was a ‘significant discrepancy’ involving drug evidence during an evidence room purge with another troop in South Florida.

The file shows he was traveling to Jacksonville with evidence, including drugs for destruction, and went there without the law enforcement escort.

Blackmon abruptly quit last month after six years with the agency as the Officer of Inspector General launched a criminal investigation.

Blackmon typically worked at the Turkey Lake station, and that's where the primary evidence lab was for that troop.
A source told Channel 9's Kenneth Craig that the missing evidence includes marijuana, cocaine and cash.

FHP officials would only say that investigators are looking into missing evidence with a troop of the agency.

Related Story: FHP evidence custodian investigated over missing evidence