State's Attorney Michael L. Regan said he is not prosecuting a New London woman charged with heroin possession because the drugs city police seized from her are no longer available due to problems the department was experiencing with its property officer.

Regan said he entered a "nolle" in the case of Ishma R. Harris, 28, this week because of the evidence issue and because she had no prior criminal record and had been cooperative.

According to court documents and testimony, Harris and a juvenile drove to the Mount Eden section of the Bronx on June 23, 2014, to purchase heroin at the bidding of Keith Delvalle, who was incarcerated on a murder charge.

Police said they began surveillance on Harris after Department of Correction officials notified them that Delvalle was directing Harris and the juvenile to sell heroin in an effort to raise money for his bond or legal fees.

The police converged on Harris' car when she returned to New London, and she admitted she had 40 bags of heroin.

The juvenile with her also was arrested. The outcome of that case is unavailable because it was heard confidentially in juvenile court.

In March 2015, authorities began an audit of the New London Police Department property room, where seized items are stored, after an off-duty incident involving the property officer, Russell MacDonald.

Initially placed on administrative leave, MacDonald resigned from the department in August 2015 when he was called into the department for a question-and-answer session related to an internal investigation.

Regan assigned the state police Central District Major Crime Squad to the case and sent letters to defense attorneys notifying them that the evidence in dozens of their clients' cases may have been compromised.

The case is now being handled by the Office of the Chief State's Attorney, according to Regan.

Delvalle pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Jesus "Gee" Pinero and was sentenced earlier this month to 20 years in prison.

k.florin@theday.com