Hearings End On Whether Drug Defendants Treated Fairly Following Ex-Mass. Chemist Revelations

A judge in Springfield is trying to determine whether drug defendants received fair treatment following revelations that a chemist at a state lab in Amherst tampered with evidence and falsified reports.

Ex-state chemist Sonja Farak has admitted to stealing drugs from the lab for her personal use.

Lawyers for 10 defendants claim the state attorney general's office covered up the extent of Farak's misconduct, leading to unfair convictions or guilty pleas.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard Carey wrapped up a week of testimony Friday after hearing from the prosecutor who led the investigation into the drug lab chemist.

WBUR's David Boeri was in court in Springfield and joined All Things Considered to discuss.