DA Sutter Says More Funding Needed To Handle Drug Lab Cases

Gov. Deval Patrick is calling for a "file by file" review of all the cases handled by former state chemist Annie Dookhan.  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 up to 34,000 criminal cases, including 4,000 in Bristol County.

District Attorney Sam Sutter, speaking with WBSMs Phil Paleologos, says prosecutors around the state need financial help to take on the added workload....

Sutter says he's formed a special unit in his office to handle the reopened drug lab cases.  They number about 140 so far.  Sutter says he's talked with lawmakers about additional funds, and they tell him..."be patient."