Despite an internal investigation finding no wrongdoing, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab Director is resigning.
In a press release Tuesday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office said Tracey Ray submitted her resignation effective Dec. 31.
Her departure comes only four months after she returned to active duty from being on administrative leave pending an internal investigation that found no wrongdoing on her part.
Below is the timeline of the investigation outlined by the Sheriff’s Office:
Jan. 2015
"In January of 2015, while Director Ray was out of the office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation regarding potential issues involving Director Ray’s handling of certain evidence. She was placed on paid administrative leave status pending the results of that investigation."
Feb. 2015
"In February 2015, the Douglas County Attorney’s Office issued a discovery memo disclosing the investigation from the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab as well as other information regarding the Omaha Police Department’s Crime Lab that was released to criminal defense lawyers in all pending criminal prosecutions filed in Douglas County involving the Sheriff’s Office and Omaha Police Department. "
June 26, 2015
"On June 26, 2015, the Douglas County Attorney’s Office issued an updated discovery memo acknowledging that Director Ray had not cross-contaminated or degraded the evidence."
Aug. 31, 2015
"On August 31, 2015, Director Ray returned to active duty status as the Crime Lab Director for the Forensic Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office."
Tuesday, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a $195,320 settlement for Ray.
The Sheriff's Office expressed regret for Ray's time spent on administrative leave.
"The Sheriff's Office sincerely thanks Director Ray for her many contributions over the years after joing the Crime Lab in January 2011 at a very difficult time in its history," officials said in a prepared statement.
This is a developing story. Watch KMTV Action 3 News and check KMTV.com for updates.
