New director hired to run Division of Forensic Science

A Delaware State Police veteran has been tapped to run the Division of Forensic Science.

In September, John R. Evans was named director to manage the overall operation of the division, bringing 29 years of service with the Delaware State Police to his new position. He retired a major and was the Special Operations Officer overseeing aviation, gaming enforcement, intelligence and homeland security, homicide, forensic firearms, crime lab and the state bureau of identification.

“I fully recognize and appreciate the significant role that the Division of Forensic Science plays in the criminal justice process here in Delaware,” Evans said in a prepared statement. “I will work with each of the stakeholders in the criminal justice community to not only ensure that the division meets its mission but to move the division forward to become a progressive and state-of-the art forensic science infrastructure.”

Evans holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Delaware and is a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School. He headed the homicide unit from 2002 to 2009, clearing 98 percent of cases. He helped create the Forensic Firearms Services Unit, and headed the Criminal Investigation Unit from 2009 to 2012.

“Director Evans’ many years of experience dealing with forensic investigations related to homicides and other criminal cases combined with his extensive administrative and leadership skill is needed to continue moving this Division forward,” said Secretary James N. Mosley of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “He brings a wealth of knowledge that will be essential as we look to acquire additional staffing and equipment and explore options for a new facility.”

Evans replaces Michael Wolf, who resigned in July. Wolf's salary was $130,000; Evans salary information was not provided.

In 2014, Gary L. Collins was hired as chief medical examiner with a $239,500 salary. He replaced Richard Callery who pleaded guilty to official misconduct after a drug evidence tampering scandel left the Medical Examiner's Office in disarray.

Two other employees were charged: personal marijuana possession charges against former lab manager Farnam Daneshgar were dropped after a mistrial, forensic investigator James Woodson pleaded guilty to unlawful dissemination of criminal history and no contest to official misconduct. He was given a year of home confinement.