Local News

Controversy Arises Over DNA Contamination

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― There's controversy over the contamination of DNA samples at Baltimore's crime lab.

Mike Hellgren reports while some defense lawyers are calling the revelation 'atrocious,' others say it's being overblown.

Many cases are under review. Police stress there have been no wrongful convictions as a result of the tainted evidence, but the revelation has sparked some strong criticism of the crime lab.

Defense attorneys are outraged after learning some evidence at Baltimore City's crime lab was contaminated with employees' own DNA.

The discovery led the police commissioner to fire the lab's head Edgar Koch.
 
"If they fired Mr. Koch then there were problems. We of the defense bar are going to take a look at this because it gives you a chance to really reopen the case," said William Buie III.

Patrick Kent is chief of forensics for the public defender's office. He was surprised to learn there was no staff DNA database, a routine safety measure to maintain integrity at many labs, including those of the Maryland State Police and Baltimore County Police.

"This was the most basic, the most rudimentary step. It has not been done since the inception of DNA testing," said Kent.

State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy learned about the contamination Friday and is working with police and defense attorneys. She spoke exclusively with WJZ.

"We rely on the crime lab, and we're not saying that they're not above board. We just need to make sure that when we present evidence, that that evidence is evidence we can rely on. I'm working with the commissioner, and I know that he is interested in the same thing that I am interested in, and that is that the criminal justice system in Baltimore City is fair, equitable and just," said Jessamy.

Police say fewer than 15 samples were contaminated. A supervisor discovered the problem as she entered the DNA of lab workers.

"It's not the kind of thing where people can be incorrectly linked to a crime. Nobody is in jail that shouldn't be," said Sterling Clifford, Baltimore City Police.

City leaders have started a nationwide search for a new director to lead the city's crime lab.  The crime lab is up and running with an acting director already appointed.

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