Chemist At Center Of State Drug Lab Scandal Arrested

The former state chemist at the center of a growing scandal about tainted evidence that has put thousands of drug cases in Massachusetts in jeopardy is now a defendant herself.

Former chemist Annie Dookhan was arrested Friday morning and charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and pretending to hold a degree from a college or university. Dookhan pleaded guilty in Boston Municipal Court and was released on $10,000 cash bail.

"I believe in a criminal justice system where both victims and defendants will be treated fairly," Attorney General Martha Coakley said Friday. Coakley's office is investigating Dookhan and the lab where she worked. "I'm committed to working with all the parties who have a stake in this to make sure that we fix this."

WBUR's David Boeri has been following the story and joined All Things Considered host Sharon Brody to discuss the charges against Dookhan.