Annie Dookhan, the former Massachusetts lab chemist we blogged about over a year ago, is back in court today on the 27 charges brought from tampering with drug samples which may have negatively affected 40,323 cases. This number comes from a review of her cases, a request made by Governor Deval Patrick, from 2003-2012 which covers her time with the Department of Public Health; however, it would appear there is a separate investigation dating back to 1990 to see whether those cases are flawed too. It is alleged that her actions have already cost Massachusetts taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
In a court filing Thursday, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office recommended Dookhan serve five to seven years in prison, followed by a five-year probationary term, if she decides to plead guilty. Dookhan’s defense attorney says he’s recommending one year as opposed to the five to seven. Judge Carol Ball is currently hearing arguments on sentence recommendations and will make a determination next week on what her maximum sentence would be should Dookhan decide to plead guilty.
