Judge Puts Convict's Sentences On Hold In Wake Of State Drug Lab Scandal
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A career criminal who pleaded guilty to drug and gun charges has had his sentences placed on hold by a judge who cited the ongoing scandal at the state drug lab.
The state announced Monday that there are 1,140 people who are currently incarcerated as a result of work done by Annie Dookhan, who allegedly mishandled evidence at the Jamaica Plain lab.
David Huffman pleaded guilty to trafficking in heroin and cocaine, possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute, and unlawful possession of ammunition and a firearm as an armed career criminal.
He began serving concurrent 7- to 10-year sentences last month.
A Suffolk Superior Court judge on Monday agreed to a defense motion to place his sentences on hold and set bail at $75,000 cash, citing the investigation into the mishandling of drug samples at the Boston lab.
Huffman's lawyer said he would not have pleaded guilty to any of the charges if he knew the drug evidence would be tainted.
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