The Police Department's armorer Albert Ciego was grossly negligent in the execution of his duty. That is the finding of a fast-tracked internal affairs investigation into the disappearance of Said Perdomo's nine-millimeter pistol. As we've reported, Perdomo turned over his firearm to CIB investigators for them to determine if it was used in the Brannon murders. The test showed it wasn't used and it was cleared, but on June 1st when Perdomo and his lawyer Mike Peyrefitte returned for the gun Ciego couldn't find it. Tonight police say Ciego is liable and he was negligent but he won't face any criminal charges. We will tell you what the penalty is shortly, but first to Commissioner of Police Gerald Westby. This morning he told us he is embarrassed by the whole incident.
Keith Swift,
Where is Said Perdomo's Gun?
Gerald Westby, Commissioner of Police
"Well probably you can tell me. But that's a very serious matter. When it was reported to me on Monday morning at conference, certainly I was very upset and immediately directed Mr. Mariano, Commander IAB, to conduct a thorough investigation and if anybody is negligent or culpable, we certainly will deal with them because the gun has been cleared, it was not, from the tests we have done, it was not used in the shooting of the Brannon brothers, so it has been cleared. But the loss of the gun has been really embarrassing to us and certainly those that are culpable will be dealt with. I have told Mr. Mariano to conclude his investigation expeditiously or let us deal with anybody that is found culpable."
Keith Swift,
I don't think Said Perdomo will agree that the gun was lost, it was stolen.
Gerald Westby,
"Well that's a possibility and again I say Mr. Mariano has been tasked to conduct a speedy investigation, a thorough investigation and whether it is lost or stolen, we will deal with it."
Keith Swift,
Is Mr. Ciego still on duty?
Gerald Westby,
"Well he is being investigated and that will be dealt with very shortly."
Westby spoke to us before the report was completed. This evening Police Press Officer G. Michael Reid told us that Ciego will be disciplined and ordered to pay for the gun. Perdomo's black Glock 9 millimeter pistol is valued at $3,000.
