Tagged: massachusetts drug lab

Nearly 200 people have been released from prison and their cases put on hold as a result of a Massachusetts state drug testing lab scandal. 

Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan told lawmakers at a public hearing Wednesday that while investigators are looking at about 34,000 cases overall, 195 individuals have been released, 79 in Boston.

Heffernan said their release doesn't mean they have been exonerated.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has ordered a "file by file review" of every case handled by a state chemist accused of faking test results at a now-closed government lab. 

Annie Dookhan allegedly skirted protocols and manipulated drug samples at a former Department of Health drug lab where she worked for nine years. The alleged misconduct has threatened to unravel thousands of criminal cases.

The Governor of Massachusetts is seeking $30 million to cover the initial costs resulting from the testing scandal at a state drug lab. 

The governor's top budget official, Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez, said an appropriations bill would be filed with the Legislature on Thursday requesting the money.

Gonzalez says he expects the $30 million to cover costs for at least the next several months for courts, prosecutors, public defenders and other agencies that are dealing with the fallout from the drug lab crisis.

Authorities say a career criminal whose bail on drug charges was reduced because of allegations of mishandling of drug samples by a Massachusetts chemist has failed to show up for court and is now a fugitive.

Marcus Pixley's bail was originally $5,000 cash after he was charged with possession and intent to distribute crack cocaine.

His bail was reduced to $1,000 because the drugs were tested by Annie Dookhan, a state chemist charged in a scandal that has potentially put thousands of drug cases in jeopardy.