Crime & Safety

Man Withdraws Guilty Plea In JP Drug Lab Case

On Tuesday, a man who had pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine took it back because the drug sample had been tested by "rogue chemist" Annie Dookhan of the JP State Drug Lab.

Yet another convict had charges cleared on Tuesday in the sprawling "disaster" emerging from the State Drug Lab in JP.

Prosecutors went along with a motion on behalf of Charles Adilson, 32, to take back his August 2011 plea of guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, according to Jake Wark, spokesperson for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Boston Police saw him do a drug buy near the Pine Street Inn, prosecutors said. Chemist Annie Dookhan processed the alleged cocaine in her now-shuttered JP lab. The substance can't be retested because it was destroyed on a court order.

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Dookhan is suspected of tainting 34,000 samples in cases that have put 1,100 people behind bars.

Adilson did not get his freedom on Tuesday, however. He is being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prosecutors say he has prior convictions for violating the abuse prevention act, trespassing, assault and battery, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

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Patch has a call in to Adilson's attorney.

Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley has termed the scandal caused by Dookhan's alleged actions a "disaster." On Friday, three defendants were freed on bail or had charges dropped against them.


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