Public Health Department Commissioner John Auerbach, a JP resident, resigned Monday, saying "the buck stops with me" in the scandal that has shuttered the state drug lab on South Street — and put thousands of convictions at risk.
The scandal at the state's drug lab in Jamaica Plain claimed its highest-level victim to date with the resignation of the commission of public health. John Auerbach, who according to the JP Gazette lives here in the neighborhood, stepped down Monday. In a statement, he accepted responsibility. "It is clear that there was insufficient quality monitoring, reporting and investigating on the part of supervisors and managers surrounding the former Department of Public Health drug lab in Jamaica Plain – and ultimately, as Commissioner, the buck stops with me." As many as 34,000 criminal cases could be undermined by the alleged actions of chemist Annie Dookhan. She is alleged to have tampered with evidence in a variety of ways, including so as to…
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A chemist at the South Street lab is suspected of mishandling evidence in drug cases. Law officials worry convictions could be overturned.
You've driven past the State Labs on South Street many times, and perhaps not known they were even there. But the gray concrete building is the epicenter of a scandal that has caused the labs to be shut down. Officials say a chemist in the lab mishandled evidence in drug cases. Her name hasn't been released and no criminal charges have been filed, according to multiple news reports. But officials worry that convictions could be overturned because of her actions. "I think we’re all furious about this," said Colonel Timothy Alben, head of the State Police, according to the Globe. "Our concern is about any miscarriage of justice that’s out there." For now, samples in drug cases will be processed at the State Police facility in Sudbury, State …
A Cambridge man in his 70s is hospitalized with the disease. He represents the second human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in the state this year.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday raised the threat level for West Nile Virus in Boston to high. West Nile was found in JP last month. The move comes after a Cambridge man in his 70s was confirmed to have West Nile Virus, according to an announcement from the public health department. He represents the second confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in the state this year. The first case, confirmed on Aug. 15, was also discovered in a Cambridge resident, according to the announcement. The most recent West Nile Virus patient is currently hospitalized, the announcement says. The Department of Public Health has also raised the threat level to high in Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline and Watertown. A…
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11:28 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
On the other hand, maybe this is all just BS. http://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/west-nile-theyre-lying-to-you-again/ The government PR machine has swung into high gear promoting West Nile disease. It’s a “national outbreak.” 1138 cases in 38 states. 41 deaths. Planes are spraying toxic aerial pesticides. Never mind that the US Centers for Disease Control claims 36,000 people die every … more ›
BTB
1:20 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012
"The scandal at the state's drug lab in Jamaica Plain claimed its highest-level "victim" to date with the resignation of the commission of public health." John Auerbach is a VICTIM???? NO... those 34,000 incarcerated on false evidence are VICTIMS. more ›