COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. — The FBI is investigating a police officer from a department south of Eugene who was fired from his job in July over evidence handling.
The Register-Guard of Eugene reports former Cottage Grove police officer Phil Beach is under investigation for possible criminal charges by the FBI for violating department policy regarding the handling of evidence.
Cottage Grove police Interim Chief Scott Shepard suspended Beach in June after Shepard learned of a possible violation in May.
Oregon State Police investigated at Shepard’s request and determined criminal charges were possible.
They forwarded the case to Lane County for prosecution and it’s since been transferred to the U.S. attorney’s office and the FBI for investigation and prosecution.