FAIRFIELD -- A Fairfield police detective, and the son of Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, was arrested for tampering with evidence and other charges.
Police said Detective Stephen Rilling, 40, was charged with third-degree computer crime, second-degree larceny, second-degree forgery, possession of narcotics, false entry by an officer and tampering with evidence.
Fairfield police say they became aware of irregularities, regarding the evidence room on April 12.
"We are clear that he did obtain evidence, what the evidence officer believed to be for legitimate reasons, and he didn't necessarily use those for legitimate reasons," said Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara
Rilling wrote in a blog, earlier this month, the police department sent him to detox, for a drug problem, three years ago. But, upon his return, his duties included handling narcotics again, which he called "reckless".
"You know, to go into the specifics of it is very difficult," said MacNamara, choosing he words carefully because this is a pending legal matter.
"He did turn himself in on a warrant today," said attorney John Gulash, who represents Rilling, noting that his client will appear in Bridgeport Superior Court next Friday.
Fairfield police say the evidence misappropriation began last June and continued through February.
Gulash says, "He certainly has the support of his very close and extended family."
Rilling's family includes longtime Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, who is Stephen Rilling's father. In a statement, released this afternoon, the mayor said, "In the past few weeks, I learned that my son has a substance abuse problem brought on by prescription pain medication. He has accepted responsibility for his situation and is in therapy. "
After being made aware of the alleged misappropriation, Fairfield Police implemented a new policy, in which multiple signatures are now required for evidence to be removed from that room.
Rilling was processed and released after posting a $5,000 court imposed bond.