The discovery of cocaine at the White House in July 2023 has sparked discussions and concerns over the internal procedures of the Secret Service.
The New York Post reported that the agency later discarded the evidence claiming that the destruction of the evidence was allowed by the agency's evidence retention policies, despite facing pushback from within over this decision.
The situation has caused significant internal discord within the Secret Service, especially after a partial DNA match was identified before the evidence was ultimately destroyed.
The incident began on July 2, 2023, when a small quantity of cocaine was found near the Situation Room, in a locker meant for personal belongings. Following its discovery, the Secret Service rapidly closed the investigation, opting not to interview any possible suspects in the process.
A key source of tension arose from Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's alleged desire to dispose of the evidence early on.
Her reported request to destroy the cocaine clashed with objections from within the agency, as highlighted by a source who described it as causing "a big to-do" internally.
According to another source linked to the Secret Service, the standard practice was to retain evidence, even with or without using a DNA hit, for a duration of up to seven years. This established protocol added fuel to the internal disputes, with Cheatle reportedly left "really pissed off" when the evidence wasn't immediately destroyed.
Opposition against disposing of the cocaine was led by Glenn Dennis, the forensics division chief, and Richard Macauley, an acting chief in the Uniformed Division. They were instrumental in the decision to retain the evidence, pushing back against Cheatle or others allegedly directing the move to dispose of it.
The cocaine evidence had been linked to a partial DNA match found in a national database, adding an additional layer to the controversy.
However, no further steps were reported following this discovery, raising questions about the handling of such findings by the Secret Service.
Compounding the complex internal dynamics were claims that Macauley was overlooked for a possible promotion, allegedly as a result of his stand against the disposal of the evidence.
A source affiliated with the agency even remarked that the congressional oversight committees should investigate Matt White, the vault supervisor, regarding this partial DNA match.
Cheatle ultimately stepped down from her position on July 23, 2023. Her resignation followed criticisms about handling security issues, including an attempted assassination of former President Trump, unrelated to this case.
The case has not only centered on internal agency conflict but has also seen external speculation.
Rumors regarding the possible involvement of a Biden family member fueled public and media interest. However, the White House strongly condemned such speculations, dismissing them as "irresponsible."
The backdrop of this incident contrasts with the Biden administration's actions in 2021 when they terminated several employees for admitting to past marijuana use due to security reasons. This point further stirred debate over the handling of the cocaine incident and its procedural considerations.
Allegations and reports of the incident continue to prompt discussions about the Secret Service's protocols, decision-making, and the broader implications surrounding evidence disposal.
The agency's handling of the case, including the opposition faced and the eventual resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle, remains a point of contention, compounded by external speculation regarding involvement from prominent individuals.
