Braintree Police Chief Announces Retirement Amid Fallout From Troubling Evidence Room Audit

Braintree’s chief of police has announced his retirement amid allegations of widespread mishandling of evidence in the Braintree Police Department, officials said.

Chief Russell Jenkins has served with the Braintree police for nearly 34 years, capped off by four years as chief of police, according to a statement from the mayor's office. Jenkins said in a 55-word-long resignation letter that "it has been an honor and a privilege" to serve the department.

An audit released last week of his department's evidence room showed thousands of pieces of evidence, including drugs, at least 60 guns and more than $400,000, had gone missing between June 2013 and May 2016. Jenkins ordered the audit in June.

Prosecutors in the Norfolk district attorney's office have already dropped more than 20 drug cases due to problems stemming from the audit.

Hundreds more cases remain under scrutiny, including cases that have already gone to trial.

Jenkins will officially depart the force on Oct. 7.