BOSTON — The woman at the center of the state drug lab scandal is now a free woman even after admitting to falsifying drug test results and tampering with evidence at the drug lab.
The state was forced to review tens of thousands of cases of convicted criminals and overturn hundreds of convictions after Annie Dookhan’s actions were discovered.
Dookhan was sentenced to 3-5 years in prison and on Feb. 24 she had her first parole hearing.
After the hearing, the three member parole board found she was suitable for release because she was low risk to re-offend, she was non-violent, and she had no prior criminal record.
According to her lawyer, Dookhan was a model inmate at MCI Framingham, and even helped train service dogs.
Her told FOX25 that Dookhan is doing very well. “She is one of the strongest people I have ever met, she is well equipped to put this behind her.”
News of Dookhan's release surprised many, including Gov. Charlie Baker.
Here's what he said when FOX25 asked him about it this afternoon.
“I wasn't aware that the parole board had Annie Dookhan on their agenda today, but I have faith that they will make decisions based on best available data and the facts of the case. If she came before them today and participated in that process and they made a decision, that's their decision to make and that's why they are there,” he said.
When told that she had already been release, Baker said “That’s news to me too.”
Other public officials, including the district attorneys who had to review all of the cases, tell FOX25 they were unaware of Dookhan’s release.
Dookhan was paroled Monday, but will remain on probation.
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