Rat infestation in Houston Police Department property room raises questions about integrity of case

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A rat infestation in the Houston Police Department’s property room has raised questions about the integrity of criminal cases, despite the department’s claims that the problem is limited.

“We have no problem with current evidence. This is old evidence stored near current evidence that is still going through the legal process,” HPD Chief Noe Diaz explained.

The revelation came during a Friday morning press conference at the Washinton Avenue facility, which announced the urgent need to begin clearing the property room of old and unnecessary evidence, particularly old narcotics.

Diaz said there are 1.2 million pieces of evidence. Some have been detained for decades and long after the cases were brought to trial.

“We have 400,000 pounds of marijuana stored that only the rats enjoy,” John Whitmire joked.

Joe Vinas, president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, wonders how HPD and the mayor can be sure the rat infestation only affected old drug cases.

“How do they know? Can they read the labels on the box? ‘They don’t need these drugs anymore. Let’s go party,'” Vinas said sarcastically.

The defense attorney has witnessed numerous crime lab and property issues over the years.

“Could business be compromised? » asked journalist Jessica Willey.

“Of course. Any time evidence is compromised, cases could be compromised,” Vinas replied.

Diaz said he first discovered the rodent problem in October.

Dr. Peter Stout of the Houston Forensic Science Center said this is a problem many property rooms face.

“They called in professional exterminators, but it’s difficult to get these rodents out of there. Think about it,” he said. “They’re drug addicted rats. They’re difficult to deal with.”

Harris County Prosecutor Sean Teare said HPD and his office are reviewing old cases to determine what can be purged and will provide funds to destroy the old medications.

“We will destroy all drug evidence obtained before 2015,” Teare said.

Whitmire touted the collaboration before a short tour of the cramped facilities.

“You find a rat hole, and they could be anywhere inside that building,” Vinas added.

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