SF prosecutors back off estimate of number of cases to be dropped in drug lab scandal
By APThursday, April 1, 2010
Prosecutors back off estimate involving drug cases
SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco prosecutors are backing off a statement about the number of drug cases that may be dropped because of a scandal at the drug lab involving stolen evidence.
After saying another 1,000 cases could be dropped, district attorney’s office spokesman Brian Buckelew said later Thursday that a final decision has not been made.
When a decision is made, Buckelew says fewer than 1,000 more cases will be dropped. The final number could be disclosed Friday.
Buckelew says 550 cases already have been dismissed or not charged. Prosecutors intend to file charges in 400 of those cases when test results are returned from outside labs.
The police crime lab was shut March 9 amid allegations in December that a longtime lab technician stole cocaine evidence. The technician retired in March and hasn’t been charged.
