Corrections officer faces theft, drug charges

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office said a corrections officer and evidence custodian has been arrested.

Barry Martin has been accused of stealing guns, electronics, and narcotics from the Gulf Shores Police Department evidence room.

“We were notified of a potential problem on the twenty-third, placed him on administrative leave the following day, and on twenty-seventh he was arrested,” said Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore.

Officials said they executed a search on Martin's home Friday, January 27. They said they found narcotics and several guns that they believe had been stolen from the Gulf Shores Police Department evidence room.

Delmore said the allegations against Martin should not reflect on the entire Gulf Shores Police Department.

"This is a situation where we're shocked, embarrassed, and angry. We wanted to act quickly to resolve the issue and make sure there are no further issues,” Delmore said.

Officials said the stolen property could affect up to 100 cases.

"We have begun pulling all files that originated in this area and reviewing them. Comparing what was ceased to what is present. It is an ongoing process at this point, there will be cases that are compromised," said Baldwin County District Attorney Hallie Dixon.  

Martin worked for the Gulf Shores Police Department for 13 years and has served as the evidence room custodian since July, 2010.

“Since he had access to that room he would have had access to that facility prior to that date. We’re still in the process of determined what is missing, how much is missing, and how long it has been missing,” Delmore said.

Martin is now on administrative leave and police say termination proceedings are in progress.

Martin has been charged with second degree theft of property and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

He is being held in the Baldwin County Corrections Center on $15,000 bond.