Forensic Expert / Lab

Fraud

Sources & Further Information

Talibah Akili
Foster Care Coordinator
Ibero-American Action League
Minority Foster Boarding Home Program

Admitted that she lied under oath in 2002 when she claimed to have multiple postgraduate college degrees and to be a certified social worker, forensic counselor and substance abuse counselor. She testified as an expert witness in a Family Court case in which a Rochester woman lost custody of her children.

In reality she had no education past high school. She pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury.

"Foster care coordinator admits she faked credentials for job," WHEC-TV Rochester, January 25, 2005

Sandra Anderson
Dog Handler/ Director,
Great Lakes Search and Rescue, Michigan

Charged with planting evidence so that her dog, Eagle, would make positive hits in locations where police hoped to find remains, or evidence of remains.

Of note, Anderson testified for the prosecution in the trial of Peter Kupaza. She was the only expert whose testimony connected Mr. Kupaza to the crime in any fashion. She testified that her dog, Eagle, made a positive hit on the defendant's vehicle for biological material. However, a Luminol test failed to react positively to anything in the vehicle. 

Jackson, E. "Eagle's handler questioned," Panama News, Vol. 8, No. 10, May 26 - June 15, 2002

Ashenfelter, D. "Director of search team is charged with faking evidence," Detroit Free Press, June 23, 2003

"Investigator Faces Charges For Allegedly Planting Bones," ClickOnDetroit.com, June 24, 2003

Ashenfelter, D. "Planting of homicide evidence is alleged," Detroit Free Press, June 24, 2003

Chamberlin, C. "Dog handler faces federal charges: Woman planted site with fake bones," WJR-TV, June 24, 2003

"Crime solving woman charged with planting evidence," Wood-TV, June 25, 2003

Kennedy, J. "Owner of search dog faces charges," Monroe Evening News, June 25, 2003

Hagelberg, K. "Expert accused of faking evidence," Akron Beacon-Journal, June 28, 2003

Audi, T. "BONES OF CONTENTION: Cadaver-sniffing canine's finds are under suspicion," Detroit Free Press, July 14, 2003

Audi, T. "Digging for the truth," Detroit Free Press, July 17, 2003

"Dog Trainer Accused Of Planting Bones, Blood," ClickOnDetroit.com, July 18, 2003

Emerson, A. "Searcher doubted in probe of slaying near zoo," Lansing State Journal, July 18, 2003

"Doubt cast on 17 years of work," The Advertiser, July 19, 2003

Audi, T. "The case of the crime dog: Canine ace's handler faces accusations," Knight Ridder Newspapers, July 20, 2003

"Authorities Investigating Suspicious Toe," Associated Press, July 22, 2003

Erb, R. "Claims of planted body parts cause FBI to dig for truth on dog handler: Michigan woman denies allegation of wrongdoing," Toledo Blade, July 23, 2003

"Dog Finds Toe At Murder Scene: Woman Accused Of Planting Toe At Scene," Associated Press, July 23, 2003

"Woman accused of planting human toe," United Press International, July 23, 2003

Erb, R. "Questions raised about crime-scene dog handler," Toledo Blade, July 23, 2003

McRay, V. "Search teams uncover hidden graves," Record-Eagle, July 28, 2003

"Woman Indicted For Allegedly Planting Human Remains," The Associated Press, August 20, 2003

Seper, J. "Dog Owner Is Charged With Planting Body Parts, Evidence," Washington Post, August 20, 2003

"Cadaver hunter is indicted: Woman is accused of planting evidence during victim searches," Associated Press, August 21, 2003

Erb, R. "Dog-handler faces 10-count federal indictment," Toledo Blade, August 21, 2003

Flesher, J. "Federal grand jury indicts dog handler: Woman charged with obstruction, evidence tampering," Associated Press, August 21, 2003

Seper, J. "Cadaver-dog handler charged with rigging evidence searches," THE WASHINGTON TIMES, August 21, 2003

Redfern, R. "Indicted woman reportedly planted evidence in area case," The News-Messenger, August 22, 2003

Cooper, A. "Authorities question dog handler's bone findings," Daily Nebraskan, August 25, 2003

Flesher, J. "Small-town police hunches led to wide-ranging case against famed dog handler ," Associated Press, August 30, 2003

"Feds Have Bone to Pick With Her ," Associated Press, September 3, 2003

"Indictment taints Powers Bluff findings ," Associated Press, September 3, 2003

Luscombe, R. "Canine sleuth finds his record blighted," The Observer, September 21, 2003

Kennedy, J. "Eagle dead; ceremony held in Monroe," The Monroe Evening News, January 13, 2004

David, G. "Sit! Stay! Testify!" Fortune, January 26, 2004

Fowler, B. "Michigan dog-handler pleads guilty to planting evidence," Associated Press, March 11, 2004

Shepardson, D. "Dog-handler pleads guilty: Woman admits in Detroit court to planting bones at crimes scenes across Michigan, U.S ," The Detroit News, March 12, 2004

Kresnak, J. "Bones-finder says she cheated: She and her dog tried to assist police, but some evidence was false," The Detroit Free Press, March 12, 2004

48 Hours "An Eagle-Eyed Investigation?" CBS NEWS, March 12, 2004

Runk, D. "Famed Dog Handler Sentenced to 21 Months," Associated Press, Sept. 28, 2004

Concepcion Bacasnot
Forensic Chemist
Baltimore Co. Police Lab

Gave intentionally false testimony about blood type evidence. Once acknowledged under oath that she did not understand the science behind forensic tests. She retired in 1987.

Hanes, S. "Ex-crime lab chemist’s work questioned," Baltimore Sun, February 22, 2003

"Baltimore County Police Review Cases Worked on by Criticized Chemist," InsideBaltimore.com, March 12, 2003

"Maryland Police Reviewing 480 DNA Cases," Associated Press, March 12, 2003

"Former Baltimore County Police Chemist Comes Under More Fire," InsideBaltimore.com, March 19, 2003

Dr. Kuppareddi Balamurugan
DNA Analyst
Marion Co. Forensic Services Agency, IN

Disciplined for skipping proficiency testing and resigned before officials could investigate his tampering with a DNA analysis machine.

"Allegation Against Scientist Means DNA Retests In 64 Cases - Authorities: Lab Worker Failed To Conduct Follow-Up Tests," TheIndyChannel.com, July 18, 2003

"Crime lab to retest DNA in 64 cases," United Press International, July 18, 2003

"Indianapolis authorities double-checking DNA evidence for errors," Associated Press, July 18, 2003

Jefferson, S. "Crime lab DNA tests questioned," WTHR-13, July 18, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "Crime lab tech was disciplined: Murder case DNA testing questioned," Indianapolis Star, July 19, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "Review of DNA tests may cost $160,000," Indianapolis Star, July 22, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "DNA reviews to swell crime lab's backlog: Rechecking 64 tests could lengthen the time needed to process other DNA evidence," Indianapolis Star, July 23, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "Judge asked to halt DNA retests: Crime lab less than candid about cases under review, attorney says," Indianapolis Star, July 23, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "DNA retests at local agency on hold for now: State Police must OK plan to fix problems at lab where ex-staffer's work was questioned," Indianapolis Star, August 22, 2003

Ryckaert, V. "Crime lab cover-up alleged: Revealing abuses in DNA testing can bring threat of reprisal, scientist says," Indianapolis Star, August 22, 2003

"Marion County DNA Retests Postponed," The Indy Channel, August 22, 2003

Matthew Barb
Criminalist
Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab, Greene County, MO

Criminalist responsible for testing 1/3 of the suspected illegal drugs arriving at the Missouri State Highway Patrol's lab from southwest Missouri. 

Barb admitted he was using methamphetamine taken from samples he examined at the Springfield lab.

Associated Press "Lab technician pleads guilty to drug thefts: Mo. highway patrol employee's thievery forced dismissal of nearly 400 cases," MSNBC, August 5, 2005

Associated Press "Lab technician sentenced to five years in prison," October 1, 2005

Jan Bays, MD
Emmanuel Children's Hospital Portland, OR

Accused by the appeals court of giving false testimony about a study supporting her opinion that children do not lie about being sexually abused.

SISTRUNK v. ARMENAKIS, No. 99-36000, United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Nov. 30, 2001

Jacqueline Blake
Forensic Technician
FBI Crime Lab

Accused of failing to compare DNA evidence with control samples as required by testing protocols in at least 103 cases over the past 5 years, a required step to ensure the accuracy of tests, casting doubt on her findings. 

She subsequently resigned from the FBI Lab.

The FBI Laboratory: An Investigation into Laboratory Practices and Alleged Misconduct in Explosives-Related and Other Cases, U. S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, April 1997

"New allegations target FBI lab: DNA work, lead bullet analysis face challenges," Associated Press, April 15, 2003

Solomon, J. "More Wrongdoing Found at FBI Crime Lab," Associated Press, April 15, 2003

"FBI reels from wrongdoing by workers," Associated Press, April 15, 2003

"FBI Lab Work Under Serious Scrutiny," CBSNews.com, April 16, 2003

Solomon, J. "FBI crime lab target of new allegations: Employees' wrongdoing opens door for court challenges," Associated Press, April 16, 2003

Davidson, R. "Voodoo science and another FBI scandal," Sunday Herald, April 20, 2003

"FBI Laboratory Moves to New Home," Technews.com, April 25, 2003

James Bolding
Criminalist IV
DNA Section Supervisor 
Houston Police Crime Lab

Accused of submitting false information regarding the 2000 and 2001 crime lab audits. Also accused of negligence and offering false and / or incompetent testimony. 

He was fired by the chief of police, but allowed to retire.

OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR

HPD Crime Lab archive, Houston Chronicle

Derrick Jackson v. Texas, No. 73081

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "Mayor knew of lab woes," Houston Chronicle, March 15, 2003 

Internal Affairs memo from James R. Bolding, Criminalist IV, Crime Lab Division to C.O. Bradford, Chief of Police, Huston, TX, dated March 17, 2003

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "After months of disuse, HPD lost access to DNA databases," Houston Chronicle, March 19, 2003

McVicker, S. "Lab chief's testimony in 3 cases questioned---Court transcripts show HPD work was wrong," Houston Chronicle, March 28, 2003

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "Crime lab chief reveals failings," Houston Chronicle, April 2, 2003

Houston Police Department "Discipline in HPD Crime Lab Investigation" HPD News Release, June 12, 2003

"9 Employees Disciplined Over DNA Lab," Click2Houston.com, June 12, 2003

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "3 say chief knew of problems: Bradford says some disgruntled employees trying to discredit him," Houston Chronicle, June 22, 2003

Khanna, R. "Former crime lab director says he warned of dire problems," Houston Chronicle, June 24, 2003

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "DA office kept in dark on lab, Rosenthal says," Houston Chronicle, July 10, 2003

"Report: File review shows Houston police DNA analysts lack education, training," The Associated Press, September 7, 2003

Houston Police Department "Crime Lab Update," HPD News Release, August 26, 2004

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "Crime lab faked results in 4 cases, probe finds," Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2005

Dr. John Brown
DNA Analyst
WA State Patrol Crime Lab

Admitted that he lied under oath to defense attorneys about whether his first DNA examination in a rape case excluded the defendant.

He was suspended and subsequently resigned.

Fryer, A. "Rapist convicted on DNA profile alone," Seattle Times, June 1, 2000

"State scientist's lie will force retesting in serial-killing case," The Associated Press, June 4, 2000

Fryer, A. "State DNA expert quits while probe continues," Seattle Times, September 30, 2000

Burkitt, J. "Drug use tainted evidence in state crime lab," Seattle Times, July 11, 2001

Teichrobe, R. "Oversight of crime-lab staff has often been lax," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 23, 2004

Dr. George Bolduc
Forensic Pathologist

According to the public record, Dr. Bolduc was fired from Kern and Sonoma counties in California - one under allegations he botched an autopsy and the other that he lied on his résumé. He also resigned under fire from Orange County, according to a 1995 California Supreme Court decision, when he formed conclusions in a murder trial from a police report rather than medical evidence.

Colleen Brubaker
Forensic Scientist
Philadelphia Police Lab

According to the public record, Colleen Brubaker, 31, stole 2,700 pills that included Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet from the police laboratory where she worked and then altered the records to cover her tracks.

Jeffrey Burkes, DDS
fmr. Chief Forensic Dentist
New York City Medical Examiner’s Office

Indicted for supplying a former patient with prescriptions for various controlled substances, falsifying medical records,
and perjury.

Karla Carmichael, MS
Forensic Scientist
Fort Worth Police Crime Lab

Accused of not being qualified to perform forensic tests, deviations from procedures, inconsistent dating of reports, documents missing from case folders and failing peer reviews.

She was subsequently fired.

HPD Crime Lab archive, Houston Chronicle

McDonald, M. "DNA test sways prosecutors," Star-Telegram, October 10, 2002

Boyd, D. "A Crime lab subject of criminal inquiry ," Star-Telegram, April 13, 2003

"Fort Worth police crime lab suffers controversy," Associated Press, April 14, 2003

Boyd, D. "Experts cite problems with police crime lab," Star-Telegram, April 18, 2003

Boyd, D. "Scientist at crime lab is fired," Star-Telegram, April 22, 2003

Miller, B. "Fired scientist claims she was lab scapegoat," Houston Chronicle, April 28, 2003

Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA) - CARMICHAEL, KARLA

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "Crime lab faked results in 4 cases, probe finds," Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2005

Raymond Cole
Criminalist
San Diego Sheriff's Dept. Crime Lab

Cole, in his 70s, testified as an expert for more than three decades on the effects of alcohol on driving. Resume provided that he had a degree from the University of California Berkeley in “Premedical Studies.” His degree was actually in political science.

"San Diego DUI - Prosecutor's Criminalist Witness Gets Fired," March 13, 2006

"LETTER REGARDING FORMER CRIMINALIST RAY COLE" San Diego County District Attorney, March 16, 2006

Moran, G. "Criminalist who testified on DUIs falsified résumé ," San Diego Union Tribune, March 22, 2006

Dr. Faidherbe Ceus
Director of Emergency Services, Psychiatric Unit
Westchester Medical Center
New York

Testified falsely that he was board-certified in psychiatry. According to the State Office of Medical Misconduct, he ""lacks moral fitness expected of a member of the profession".

He plead guilty to perjury, lost his medical license, received nine months in prison with two years supervised release, and was fined $2,000.

"Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty to Perjury," 1010 WINS, December 10, 2002

O'Connor, T. "Psychiatrist gets prison for perjury," The Journal News, March 11, 2003

"Doctor jailed for perjury is stripped of his license," Associated Press, June 19, 2003

Lerner, J. "Nanuet doctor loses medical license," The Journal News, June 19, 2003

Det. Tom Coleman 
Tulia, Texas (Swisher Co.)

Accused by the court of perjury in multiple drug cases and regarding past theft charges against him.

He is under indictment and no longer works in law enforcement.

"Was Texas town's drug sting racist?" CNN, October 10, 2000

Cunningham, G. "Fate of cases hung on Coleman," Globe-News, March 20, 2001

"Undercover Agent Indicted for Perjury," Police Magazine, May 2, 2003

"Texas drug defendants allowed to go free on bond," CNN, June 16, 2003

"Justice Gone Bad In Tulia, Texas," CBS News, June 17, 2003

Blaney, B. "Texas frees dozen who were jailed on word of lying agent," Associated Press, June 17, 2003

McKenna, M. "Prisoners freed as officer branded liar," CBS News, June 18, 2003

Parker, L. "Court cases raise conduct concerns," USA Today, June 25, 2003

Timothy Dixon
Forensic Scientist
Illinois State Police Crime Lab 

Falsely testified to exaggerated statistics in a rape case to favor the prosecution's case against Gary Dotson. This was the first exoneration by DNA in the state of Illinois. 

The rape that wasn’t — the first DNA exoneration in Illinois: Northwestern University School of Law

Bowman, L. & Warden, R. "Independent crime labs could help stop forensic fraud," Chicago Sun-Times, November 7, 2004

www.law.northwestern.edu/depts/ clinic/wrongful/documents/DotsonOpinion.pdf

http://www.scientific.org/distribution/law-review/giannelli.pdf

Ira S. Dubey
Deputy Director,
Suffolk Co. Crime Lab 

Pleaded guilty to three counts of perjury after admitting that he lied about his credentials in 21 cases.

Maier, T. & Quittner, J. "Crime 'Expert' Admits Lying on Credentials Felony convictions endangered ," Newsday, April 15, 1987

James E. Edmiston
Forensic Computer Expert - California

According to the public record, Edmiston's resume includes a Masters degree from Cal Tech, an MBA from UNLV, and an associate degree from UCLA - all fabricated. Prosecutors have also accused Edmiston of lying about working with the Tulare County District Attorney's office.

Ellis, J. "Expert Witness to Stay in Jail," Fresno Bee, September 28, 2006

Ralph Erdmann
Coroner - Texas

Pleaded no contest in 1992 to falsifying autopsies in Dickens, Hockley and Lubbock counties. Falsified results regarding examinations and tests that were never performed. Sentenced to several prison terms.

Underwood, G. "Freedom nears for Erdmann as judge clears way for parole," Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, April 27, 1997

Underwood, G. "Ex-medical examiner to remain in Beaumont prison," Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, March 4, 1997

A State of Denial: Texas Justice and the Death Penalty by the Texas Defender Service, Ch. 3 - "A Danger to Society: Fooling the Jury with Phony Experts"

Pamela A. Fish, PhD
Biochemistry Section Chief
IL State Police Lab

Reportedly gave false testimony in nine cases, including trials that resulted in wrongful rape convictions. In one case, she conducted blood tests on semen recovered from a rape victim and determined defendant was excluded as the source, according to her lab  notes. However, she prepared a report saying her tests were inconclusive and testified similarly at the defendant's trial.

She was transferred.

Mills, S. & Possley, M. "Report alleges crime lab fraud - Scientist is accused of providing false testimony," Chicago Tribune, January 14, 2001

Possley, M. "Crime lab defends itself, analyst," Chicago Tribune, July 20, 2001

Mills, S. "Crime lab analyst moved: Worker who is under fire sent to research post," Chicago Tribune, August 16, 2001

Kim, A. "Illinois men exonerated after 15 years behind bars," Socialist Worker Online, December 14, 2001

Bowman, L. & Warden, R. "Independent crime labs could help stop forensic fraud," Chicago Sun-Times, November 7, 2004

Faculty - UIC Forensic Science Program (removed)

Willis v. Pamela Fish, et al 

John Fitzpatrick
Forensic DNA/ Serology 
FDLE - Orlando Crime Lab

Admitted to switching DNA samples and changing data in a test designed to check the quality of work at the lab.

Stutzman, R. "Crime-lab worker puts cases in doubt," Orlando Journal Sentinel, July 19, 2002

"FDLE says no cases in danger after Orlando analyst resigned," Associated Press, July 21, 2002

Dr. Roger Fisher
Psychologist
Butler Co., OH

Reportedly gave false testimony about, and even diagnosed, patients he'd never interviewed or examined.

"Psychologist Accused Of Biased Testimony," Channel Cincinatti, May 13, 2002

"Local Psychologist To Wrap Up Practice Amid Pressure: Some Area Parents Relieved," Channel Cincinatti, December 9, 2002

"Psychologist's Victims Address Lawmakers: Commissioner Fears Lawsuit Over Testimony," Channel Cincinatti, December 9, 2002

Kemme, S. "Perjury an issue in Butler courts : County commissioners ask judges to stop false testimony ," Cincinatti Enquirer, January 7, 2003

"Local Commissioner Blasts County Judges," Channel Cincinatti, May 22, 2003

Mary Furlong 
Forensic Serologist
IL State Police Lab

“[P]olice laboratory technician Mary Furlong… discovered that [defendant] George Jones had different semen and blood types from the types found in… [[the victim’s] vagina. Furlong failed to include this information in the lab report.”

Jones v. City of Chicago, 856 F.2d 985, 991-93 (7th Cir. 1988) 

Joyce Gilchrist
Forensic Chemist
Oklahoma City Police Lab

According to reports, she provided allegedly false testimony, misidentified hair and fiber samples, and exceeded the “acceptable limits” of forensic science. Her testimony in one case led to the wrongful conviction of a death-row inmate who was eventually freed. 

She was subsequently fired.

Joyce Gilchrist: NewsOK.com

Franken, B. "FBI reviewing cases forensic expert handled," CNN, May 1, 2001

Luscombe, B. "When The Evidence Lies," Time, May 13, 2001

Editorial "Imperfect Justice," Washington Post, May 28, 2001

"Under The Microscope," CBS - 60 Minutes II, July 24, 2002

Schroeder, H. "A case against the death penalty," The Capital Times, August 29, 2003

"‘A Regular Death Factory': An Exposé of Oklahoma's Death Row Machine," ABC News, September 3, 2003

Graham Halksworth
Fmr. Fingerprint Examiner
Scotland Yard

Authenticated $2.5 trillion (U.S.) of bogus Treasury bonds, only to be caught by a simple spelling mistake.

Summers, C. "'Urban myth' exposed by trial," BBC News, September 18, 2003

Ward, K. "Canadian jailed for plotting multi-trillion dollar fraud British scientist authenticated bonds," CANADIAN PRESS, November 1, 2003

David Harding
Supervisor
Troop C Forensic Unit
New York State Troopers

Admitting to planting fingerprint evidence in numerous cases to secure convictions when applying for a job with the CIA. Also implicated his partner, Trooper Robert Lishansky. Further admitted to burning physical evidence to protect fellow officers from a potential wrongful shooting investigation. 

THE PEOPLE &C., RESPONDENT, v. LEE LONGTIN, APPELLANT, 92 N.Y.2d 640, 707 N.E.2d 418, 684 N.Y.S.2d 463 (1998), December 17, 1998

Maier, T. "Federal Judge Slams Fingerprint 'Science'," Insight On News, February 25, 2002

O'Brien, J. "Kinge seeks $1M from ex-lawyer: She says he should have sued FBI, three troopers, Tompkins County over faked evidence," The Post-Standard, February 28, 2002

"Woman says she has new evidence of troopers' wrongdoing," The Associated Press, November 22, 2002

Dr. Charles Harlan (right)
Forensic Pathologist
Nashville, TN

27 allegations of misconduct, some involving potential perjury. Includes misrepresentation of professional credentials, mishandling evidence, obstruction of justice, and misrepresentation of medical findings.

TENNESSEE v. CHARLES W. HARLAN, M.D. et al

Gerome, J. "State seeks to revoke medical examiner's license," The Daily Times, May 20, 2003

Oates, R. "State medical examiner begins testimony against doctor," Associated Press, May 20, 2003

Wardle, A. "Harlan sits in hot seat," Nashville City Paper, May 20, 2003

Oates, R. "Medical examiner testifies vs. predecessor," Associated Press, May 21, 2003

Johnson, R. "Worlds of court, forensics collide," Tennessean.com, May 25, 2003

"Hearing Resumes against Former State Medical Examiner," Associated Press, June 18, 2003

Johnson, R. "Rivals Levy, Harlan at odds over baby's death," Tennessean.com, June 19, 2003

Wardell, A. "Harlan faces ME board," Nashville City Paper, June 19, 2003

"Testimony: Former State Medical Examiner Botched Autopsies," Associated Press, July 15, 2003

Johnson, R. "Results of two Harlan autopsies strongly disputed by witnesses," Tennessean.com, July 16, 2003

Wardle, A. "State witnesses raise questions," Nashville City Paper, July 16, 2003

Johnson, R. "Two pathologists under fire," Tennessean.com, September 28, 2003

Clancy, C. "Medical panel rejects coroner’s request," The Nashville City Paper, November 19, 2003

Johnson, R. "State finds 18 instances of sloppy work by Harlan," Tennessean.com, April 21, 2005

Johnson, R. "State strips Dr. Harlan of his license permanently," Tennessean.com, April 22, 2005

Dr. Harlan may try to keep forensic business, wsmv.com, May 2, 205

Health-Tec Labs
Merced, CA

Mitchell Thomas Griffin, 38, and Cathy Lee Decker, 41 were arrested for falsifying evidence and perjury in connection with drug testing in CPS cases. They were selling clean drug tests to people trying to regain custody of their children.

Conway, M. "2 lab owners arrested, said to be giving clean results in custody cases," The Modesto Bee, August 30, 2003

De La Cruz, M. "Narcotic testing results bogus," The Merced Sun-Star, August 30, 2003

Sgt. Dusky Hesskew
Crime Reconstruction Expert
Austin Police Dept., TX

Testified that he found high-velocity impact blood stains on a night gown that were invisible to the naked eye. Later admitted that his tests were unscientific because he assumed the invisible stains were human blood, which they weren't.

Pinkerton, J. "JUSTICE IN LIMBO: In prison for years, wife awaits new trial in husband's death" Houston Chronicle, January 26, 1997

"Texas v. Mowbray: Murder or suicide?" Court TV, May 31, 2001

Freda Susan Mowbray v. Texas Cameron County, Et Al., Nos. 00-40504 & 00-41229, UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS, FIFTH CIRCUIT, December 6, 2001

Wallace Higgins
Supervisor/ Forensic Examiner
FBI Crime Lab

Accused of altering Dr. Fred Whitehurst's forensic reports without his permission. Inspector General Michael Bromwich advised that he be transferred out of the crime lab.

The FBI Laboratory: An Investigation into Laboratory Practices and Alleged Misconduct in Explosives-Related and Other Cases, U. S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, April 1997

• http://www.aci.net/kalliste/19higgin.htm

"Report finds flaws at FBI crime lab, but no perjury," CNN.com, April 15, 1997

"Report critical of FBI agents' work in cases," Associated Press, April 16, 1997

Jesus Hinojosa
Forensic Technician
Texas DPS Crime Lab

Admitted stealing more than 50 pounds of cocaine from the Houston crime lab. A DPS investigation concluded that he had been selling cocaine smuggled out of the lab during over the course of five years. 57 pounds of cocaine is missing from the lab.

Khanna, R. & McVicker, S. "Crime lab faked results in 4 cases, probe finds," Houston Chronicle, June 1, 2005

Associated Press "DPS lab worker faces drug charges," News 8 Austin, February 17, 2007

"DPS audits warned of drug evidence security problems," KRGV5 News, February 21, 2007

McVicker, S. "DPS tech had job-performance woes: Worker who admitted stealing cocaine had been suspended over porn, records show,'' Houston Chronicle, March 8, 2007

Michael Hoover
Forensic Chemist
WA State Patrol Crime Lab

Charged with evidence tampering and official misconduct after he was videotaped stealing heroin that was sent to the lab for testing in criminal cases.

North, S. "PATROL CHEMIST FACES MISDEMEANOR COUNTS," The Daily Herald, January 26, 2001

"Lab chemist pleads not guilty in heroin case," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 9, 2001

North, S. "Chemist Pleads Innocent," The Daily Herald, February 9, 2001

North, S. "WSP Drug Lab Taint Lets Felon Withdraw Guilty Plea," The Daily Herald, March 31, 2001

Teichrobe, R. "Oversight of crime-lab staff has often been lax," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 23, 2004

Sgt. Sam A. Kaminsky 
Police Officer
Garden City PD, Georgia

Served a three-year sentence for falsifying fingerprint evidence (evidence tampering and making false statements). Used ink fingerprints taken by police and duplicated them on a card, labelling them crime-scene prints.

Schmitt, B. "Man sues Garden City police over planted prints," Savannah Now, June 18, 1998

Sam A. Kaminsky, "Behind The Walls Looking For Friends," Letter written from Wayne State Prison, describing his circumstances and looking for companionship.

Muller, J. "A timeline of the Garden City Police Department," Savannah Now, June 17, 2001

Richard N. Kocsis 
Fmr Lecturer, Investigations
Charles Sturt University, NSW

Gave false information about his degree holdings and work affiliations.

Commenced work for Charles Sturt University, New South Wales in January, 1999 as a lecturer.

Claimed he held a PhD in Psychology for several years, as referenced in numerous peer-reviewed publications, prior to actually receiving it in May 2001.

Claimed to be Unit Chief of the Criminal Profiling Research Unit, Amalgamated Police Agencies, Australia. No such Unit or organization exists. Claimed other associations and affiliations with NSW Police. None were sanctioned or authorized.

Fired (aka annulled) by Charles Sturt University, November 17, 2000.

Richard Kocsis Memo, 2007 - Timeline & Detail

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION, Workplace Relations Ac