State: Crime Lab Chemist Handled 50,000 Cases

The chemist at the center of a scandal that has shut down a Massachusetts crime lab was involved in testing more than 50,000 drug samples, raising the possibility of an enormous number of legal challenges from people convicted or awaiting trial in drug cases.

Anne Goldbach, forensic services director for the state's public defender agency, said lists of drug samples handled by the chemist since 2003 were turned over to public defenders and prosecutors Tuesday, five days after state police shut down the lab.

The lists show she was involved in testing more than 50,000 samples at the lab run by the state Department of Public Health until July 1. Gov. Deval Patrick ordered the lab closed after an investigation revealed that the chemist had not followed proper testing protocols.

[Via AP]