Sheriff’s Office arrests own evidence technician

Historic City News has learned that early this morning, a member of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on charges of Grand Theft and Official Misconduct in connection with his duties as an Evidence Technician.

Shoar stated, “Whenever people are involved in a process there is always a risk of misfeasance, malfeasance, or criminal conduct but it is even more troubling when that person has been entrusted by the public to perform a duty.”

Investigators with the State Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office arrested Paul Matthew Robinson, 38, today at his residence.

Robinson was booked into the County Jail at 9:55 a.m. where he continues to be held in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.

Robinson worked at the Sheriff’s Office since 2001 and was assigned to the Forensic Evidence Unit.

Robinson’s employment was terminated upon his arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an alleged internal breach at the Evidence Room after the Evidence Supervisor noted paperwork discrepancies from one employee. Robinson, admitted responsibility for the paperwork discrepancies.

An audit of the property room determined that an isolated section had been breached.

Sheriff David Shoar was advised and immediately notified State Attorney R.J. Larizza to request that his office conduct an independent criminal investigation, as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (F.D.L.E.) to conduct a thorough independent review of property room inventory.

A search warrant was obtained for Robinson’s residence which resulted in the seizure of evidentiary items including evidence submission forms and other documents related to the missing narcotics.

Sheriff Shoar stated, “It is truly fortunate that our management team discovered this breach when they did and we will be conducting a thorough analysis of our protocols to enhance security to avoid an event like this from occurring again.”

Due to the ongoing, active investigation, additional information will be released when it becomes available in accordance with Florida Law.