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Released Convict: 'I Just Got Out Thanks To Annie Dookhan. I Love That Lady'

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts man released from prison early because of a drug-testing lab scandal has declared his gratitude toward the chemist allegedly responsible for his freedom after he was arrested for having a stolen handgun.

A spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley said Jamell Spurill told police, "I just got out thanks to Annie Dookhan. I love that lady."

Spurill was arrested Sunday after police pulled over a car he was in for having an expired inspection sticker and allegedly found a stolen 9mm loaded handgun.

Spurill was convicted of cocaine trafficking in 2011, but the case against him was dismissed due to misconduct allegations against Dookhan.

Dookhan has pleaded not guilty to charges she tampered with evidence at a now-closed state lab.

Spurill's lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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