Metro

Brooklyn prosecutors widen review of controversial detective’s cases

Brooklyn prosecutors have widened their review of cases investigated by controversial NYPD homicide Det. Louis Scarcella to include another 14 – bringing the total number of suspect convictions ​to 71, a Brooklyn ​district ​attorney spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The Brooklyn DA’s conviction review unit is examining the Scarcella cases after allegations arose last year that the detective coached witnesses and used the same crack-addicted eyewitness in multiple cases.

The new Scarcella cases were not included in the cases initially reviewed because the detective’s name was misspelled in computer records and didn’t show up in earlier searches, the spokeswoman said.

The Brooklyn DA has overturned the conviction of seven men since taking office in January, including four men who were investigated by Scarcella.

The conviction review unit – which has an annual budget of $1.1 million – is now investigating about 100 total cases.

The DA is standing by 17 of the Scarcella cases, the spokeswoman said.

Scarcella has repeatedly denied any misconduct or wrongdoing.