Legislature Approves $40,000 For Hernandez Probe

The state Legislature has approved $40,000 to reimburse the North Attleborough Police Department for some of the costs associated with the murder investigation that led to the arrest of former New England Patriot tight end Aaron Hernandez.

Republican Rep. Betty Poirier, of North Attleborough, and Republican Sen. Richard Ross, of Wrentham, say the Legislature appropriated the money as part of its supplemental budget, which has been sent to the governor's desk for his approval.

"As a result of the exceptional performance of the North Attleborough Police Department in the days and weeks following this terrible tragedy, the town incurred an unexpected financial burden," Poirier said. "This funding will undoubtedly go a long way in absorbing these unforeseen costs. I look forward to Gov. Patrick's timely approval of this critical funding."

Police Chief John Reilly tells The Sun Chronicle the case required extensive out-of-state travel, in addition to overtime costs, to collect evidence.

Hernandez faces a murder charge in connection with the death of Odin Lloyd of Boston, whose body was found in an industrial park June 17 not far from Hernandez's North Attleborough home.

The men knew each other because Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee, police said.

Hernandez is being held without bail after pleading not guilty.