Chattanooga Man Accused of Stealing Prosecution Evidence

Authorities say the suspect broke into a police evidence locker and stole sensitive case files.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:38am

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A Chattanooga man has been arrested and charged with breaking into a police evidence locker and stealing sensitive prosecution files related to an ongoing criminal case. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old James Wilkins, allegedly accessed the secure evidence room and made off with several boxes of documents and other materials that were being held as part of a high-profile trial.

Why it matters

The theft of prosecution evidence is a serious breach of the judicial process and could potentially jeopardize ongoing criminal cases. It raises concerns about the security of police evidence rooms and the integrity of the legal system in Chattanooga.

The details

According to authorities, Wilkins gained access to the evidence locker by impersonating a police officer and using a set of forged credentials. Once inside, he allegedly took several boxes containing witness statements, forensic reports, and other sensitive materials related to an ongoing trial. The stolen evidence was later discovered at Wilkins' residence during a search conducted by investigators.

  • The break-in occurred on the evening of March 13, 2026.
  • Wilkins was arrested and charged on March 15, 2026.

The players

James Wilkins

A 32-year-old Chattanooga resident who has been charged with breaking into a police evidence locker and stealing sensitive prosecution files.

Chattanooga Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for securing the evidence locker that was breached.

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What they’re saying

“This is a very serious breach of our criminal justice system. We will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity of our prosecutions.”

— Chief of Police Samantha Hernandez, Chattanooga Police Department

What’s next

Prosecutors are reviewing the stolen evidence to determine if any ongoing cases have been compromised. The police department is also conducting an internal investigation to identify any security vulnerabilities in the evidence locker.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures to protect sensitive law enforcement materials and the need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the criminal justice system.