Drug Lab Chemist Pleads Not Guilty

04:03

January 09, 2013

Former state lab chemist Annie Dookhan, second from right, stands in Middlesex Superior Court for arraignment on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, with her attorney Nick Gordon, second left, in Woburn, Mass. Dookhan pleaded not guilty to three counts of obstruction of justice. She is charged in connection with altering drug evidence during the testing process and obstructing justice. Prosecutors allege Dookhan fabricated test results and tampered with drug evidence while testing substances in criminal cases. (AP) — Former state lab chemist Annie Dookhan, second from right, stands in Middlesex Superior Court for arraignment on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, with her attorney Nick Gordon, second left, in Woburn, Mass.(AP)

Annie Dookan, the former chemist charged with faking test results at a state drug lab, pleaded not guilty in two separate courtrooms today to charges of obstruction of justice. It is the latest development in a case that has jeopardized tens of thousands of drug cases statewide, according to prosecutors.

Dookhan faces 27 separate charges, including tampering with evidence and perjury. Today, she appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice charges, for allegedly claiming that she held a Masters degree in chemistry.

Guest:

Deborah Becker, WBUR reporter

More:

Ex-chemist’s husband warned prosecutor she was a liar
Ex-Mass. Chemist Arraigned In Drug Lab Case
Ex-chemist in lab scandal pleads not guilty to obstruction charges

This segment aired on January 9, 2013.