New London — An ongoing audit of the New London Police Department evidence room turned up “several inconsistencies” last month, which were referred to the state’s attorney’s office, according to Deputy Police Chief Peter Reichard.

The state’s attorney’s office in turn called in the state police Central District Major Crime Squad to investigate. Their investigation is ongoing.

The audit, aimed at finding any missing items, is the result of a March 28 incident at the home of the department’s evidence officer that required a state police response. State police have not released details of the incident but confirmed the seizure of legally owned guns inside the home.

The evidence officer is Russell MacDonald, whose home is listed in Griswold, according to public records. New London police have not, however, publicly identified MacDonald.

Reichard has said the evidence officer was placed on paid administrative leave for personal reasons. The officer remains on leave, he said this week. He declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

New London County State’s Attorney Michael Regan would only say state police are continuing their investigation. His office will review the results of the investigation for a determination of any criminal wrongdoing.

If evidence from past or pending criminal cases is missing or altered in any way, Bruce Sturman, the chief public defender in New London, said he would expect the state to disclose those facts.

Prosecutors would be obliged by law to disclose all aspects of their case, “warts and all,” Sturman said. He declined to speculate on what impact evidence tampering might have on a case.

MacDonald had taken on the duties of the property and evidence custodian within the past year. The property room at the department consists of not only seized and recovered property from criminal cases but abandoned, lost and found property.

Reichard said the audit could take several months to complete.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay