Alabama police officer fired, arrested for allegedly stealing evidence

Published 2:12 pm Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Cpl. Sean Blackburn of the Wetumpka Police Department was arrested and transported to the Elmore County Detention Facility on a $5,000 bond as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

According to Elmore County Chief Assistant District Attorney C.J. Robinson, now former Wetumpka police officer Blackburn is being charged with two counts theft of property in the second degree.

Wetumpka assistant police chief Ed Reeves confirmed the department realized evidence was missing out of some case files. Blackburn reportedly took a firearm and narcotics.

Reeves said Blackburn has been terminated from the police department.

The ALEA release said the State Bureau of Investigation stepped in to investigate possible evidence theft at Wetumpka Police Department’s request.

The investigation was turned over to the SBI because it involved an officer.

“It was devastating to the whole department,” Reeves said. “No one expected it, but no one is above the law — even law enforcement. We want people to know the Wetumpka Police Department is above board.”

Nothing further is available as the investigation continues.