
The comics came from the collection of Anthony Chiafalo, a corrupt attorney who was convicted of embezzling $9 million from a client and using the money to buy collectables (among other goodies), including a Detective Comics #27 worth $850,000 and other key books (see "Geek Crime Blotter").
Deutsch’s former partner at the DA’s office, Lonnie Blevins, stole comics worth over $5,000 from an evidence locker for the Chiofalo case and was found out after selling the comics at a convention in Chicago. Blevins pleaded guilty in the theft in May, and is currently awaiting sentencing. Blevins’ sentencing was delayed because he was cooperating with investigators; his former partner’s indictment is presumably an outcome of that cooperation. Deutsch was suspended after Blevins’ arrest, and later resigned, but was not accused in the incident until now.