(NECN: Jennifer Eagan, Boston) - It is the latest twist in the scandal at the state drug lab.
Chemist Annie Dookhan apparently lied on her resume.
Dookhan did obtain a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston under her maiden name, Annie Kahn, but the school says that is the only degree she received. That is not reflected on Dookhan’s resume, where she also lists a master’s degree from UMass Boston.
State officials say Dookhan tampered with drug evidence sent to the now-closed state drug lab in Jamaica Plain, possibly jeopardizing thousands of criminal cases. She also testified in court for some of those drug cases as an expert witness.
According to court transcripts obtained by NECN, Dookhan was asked under oath about her education while testifying on a cocaine trafficking case against defendant Larry Blue in 2010.
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"I have a Bachelor’s of Science in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s of science in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts," Dookhan told the court, according to the transcript.
Many defense attorneys say the revelation of this apparent lie on her resume further compromises Dookhan’s credibility.
"This woman did a little bit more than just puff a resume," defense attorney Ed Ryan said. "She lied about an advanced degree that would have enhanced her credibility before a court or jury and then she went into court and lied under oath."
Ryan says that could amount to perjury if Dookhan’s credibility as an expert witness was at issue in a trial.
No criminal charges have been filed against Dookhan. The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the mishandling of evidence at the state drug lab.
