Michigan Firefighter Facing Evidence Tampering Charge

Posted by: Curt Varone September 24, 2018 0

A Michigan firefighter is facing criminal charges for picking up and allegedly removing a prescription pill bottle from the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident. Harrison Township firefighter Steven Hart, 45, has been charged with one felony count of tampering with evidence.

The incident occurred August 21, 2018 at the scene of an accident involving a single motorcycle that killed the driver and a passenger. Deputies from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office observed an orange prescription pill bottle with multiple pills in it to be at the scene. However, upon arrival of an accident investigation unit, the bottle could not be located.

A review of the deputies’ body cams disclosed that Hart picked the bottle up and walked off with it. News reports did not indicate what medication was in the bottle and Hart was not charged with any drug related offenses. He has been placed on administrative leave from the Harrison Township Fire Department.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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