The police investigate many allegations of crimes. When they receive calls, tips and other information that a crime might have occurred, the police have a duty to investigate. However, not every criminal investigation leads to criminal charges. Sometimes, if the police find no evidence of a crime or if a person presents a strong criminal defense from the start, the police will stop the investigation and move on.
In a recent case in Portland, the authorities seem to be doing just that. In this case, an election ballot was returned to the Multnomah County Elections Office through one of their drop boxes. When employees of the election office opened the ballot, they found a white powdery substance inside. As a precaution, a hazardous-materials team from the Portland Fire and Rescue investigated the substance and the three employees who came in contact with the envelope were sent home.
Immediately after the envelope was found, officials from the FBI began an investigation. Through the investigation, officials learned that the envelope likely contained the powder by mistake. A local woman admitted that she used the envelope to clean up something and residue was left. Furthermore, Oregon State Public Health officials tested the material and found that it was not toxic and is not a biothreat.
Therefore, officials have announced that it is unlikely that any criminal charges will be filed as a result of the ballot. They believe it was a mistake and not crime-related.
While this investigation was fairly quick, others can drag on for weeks, months or even years before police stop harassing a person. People who are subject to these types of investigations should make sure they have the right criminal defense team. By having the right help, people can make sure their rights are protected and that police do not follow through with criminal charges.
Source: The Oregonian, "Criminal charges unlikely after Multnomah County Elections Office finds suspicious substance in ballot envelope," Everton Bailey Jr., May 15, 2013
