Visitor alleges Wadsworth police mishandled evidence, seeks council review

Visitor Aaron Burnett used his public‑comment time to press Council for answers about what he described as mishandling of evidence and a wrongful charge. He said a 17‑year‑old had “lied to the Wadsworth Police Department on two occasions and had still managed to have him charged with a crime,” and that the department later obtained evidence showing the girl had lied. Burnett said he had been charged despite what he described as exculpatory information and that he had offered the City a liability release because he did not want to sue but insisted on protections for his family.

Burnett alleged officers executed a search warrant, transported evidence from Pennsylvania and that the evidence subsequently left the Wadsworth evidence room and was provided to the defendants in his federal case through the Norton Police Department; he said the items were later circulated at his children’s school. Burnett said he had discussed the matter with the department’s detective sergeant, who he described as “a very nice individual” who assured him the alleged release had not occurred, but that Norton was conducting an investigation with its school resource officer as the target. He also told Council he believed a Doylestown police lieutenant had lied in court to obtain a protection order.

Council did not take formal action on Burnett’s remarks during the meeting; his comments were recorded during the public‑comment period and he said he remained available to meet with any member of Council. The minutes note Burnett’s account and that the City is investigating communications related to the matter.