A former Upper Darby Police officer is accused of stealing money and drugs from the evidence lockup to fuel a prescription drug addiction.
Brad Ross, 41, is charged with 203 counts of theft, tampering with evidence, receiving stolen property and related offenses. A 17 year veteran of the Upper Darby Police force, Ross was a detective and worked in the evidence room.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan said Friday the investigation into the theft started in February after an officer noticed a sealed evidence bag appeared to have been reopened. Detectives found pills of Oxycodone missing from the prescription bottle inside, according to Whelan.
An later audit of the evidence room found 3,767 pills and suboxone strips (a opioid addiction assistance medication) to be missing. Jewelry, gift cards, cellphones and $14,224 in cash were also taken, Whelan said.
Prosecutors said associates of Ross told detectives he asked them to cop illegal drugs for him so he could replace what was taken from the evidence lockup. They also said, according to prosecutors, Ross' wife, Ella Ross, would buy illegal drugs in Philadelphia at specific weights and colors. She has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Ross resigned from the department about a month into the probe. Shortly before the investigation began, Ross voluntarily entered an inpatient drug rehabilitation program. Officials said Ross apparently became addicted to the prescription painkillers while recovering from a 2012 car crash.
"His selfish and shameful behavior has not only caused his department a great deal of anguish and difficulty, but has led to the potential compromise of evidence," Whelan said.
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Despite the evidence tampering, the DA believes the cases are still sound and can be successfully prosecuted.
Ross was arraigned Friday. He's out on bail. NBC10 has reached out to his attorney for comment.
