13 WTHR IndianapolisIndiana withholds results of drug lab retesting

Indiana withholds results of drug lab retesting

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INDIANAPOLIS -

Results of about 500 blood samples that were reexamined as part of a probe of drug testing problems at the state toxicology lab aren't being made public even though they've been shared with prosecutors.

The Indianapolis Star reports the State Toxicology Department has denied its public-records request for the results.

The state took over the facility after an independent lab found sloppy work and unacceptable levels of errors in tests that police and prosecutors used to evaluate evidence for marijuana and cocaine cases from 2007 to 2009.

The findings have raised questions about whether people have been convicted of crimes based on evidence that is flawed.

Executive Director Larry Landis of the Indiana Public Defenders Council says the public should be told the results.

Information from: The Indianapolis Star

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