Prosecutors to seek 5-7 years in prison for chemist at center of Mass. drug lab scandal
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2013 file photo, Annie Dookhan, a former Massachusetts chemist accused of faking test results at a state drug lab, pleads not guilty during her arraignment at Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass. Dookhan is expected to appear in Suffolk Superior Court, in Boston, Friday, Oct. 18 when her lawyer and prosecutors are expected to discuss a potential guilty plea to resolve the case against her. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool, File) (The Associated Press)
A judge is expected to hear arguments on sentencing recommendations for a chemist accused in a Massachusetts drug lab scandal that has jeopardized thousands of criminal cases.
Annie Dookhan (DOO'-kan) is charged with tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice and perjury for allegedly faking test results at a now-closed state lab.
A judge is scheduled to meet with prosecutors and Dookhan's lawyer Friday to discuss their sentencing recommendations if Dookhan decides to plead guilty.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In a sentencing memo filed Thursday, prosecutors say they will recommend five to seven years in state prison. Dookhan's lawyer says he will recommend a year in jail.
At least 1,100 criminal cases have been dismissed or not prosecuted because of tainted evidence or other fallout from the shutdown of the lab where Dookhan worked.