Updated 07/17/2010 01:57 PM
Texas Rangers now involved in Austin crime lab investigation
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
In the war of words over the reputation of the APD forensic crime lab, both sides are standing firm.
The Texas Rangers are now looking into any problems that could exist at the East Austin crime lab. Friday, Chief Acevedo said the elite DPS unit will help clear the air.
Texas Ranger Captain Freeman Martin is heading the investigation, and in a separate audit, the United States Department of Justice is also expected to review the lab.
Acevedo said it is a routine audit that has nothing to do with the current turmoil surrounding the lab.
"We look forward to that audit. They will have full access to our laboratory, just like everybody else will," Acevedo said. "We look forward to getting back that audit report."
All this started when former APD DNA Scientist Cecily Hamilton wrote a lengthy memorandum to APD supervisors, as well as a city APD Human Resources manager, citing 40 issues she believed needed to be addressed.
In her memorandum, Hamilton described a hostile work environment, nepotism between a supervisor and a co-worker, potential lab work contamination, possible cheating on DNA tests and employees she believed were unqualified to perform certain forensic testing.
Hamilton pointed out that three of the top managers at the embattled forensic lab do not science background.
One of them is Forensic Science Chief Ed Harris. Harris heads the APD lab.
The audits performed by the Justice Department and the Texas Rangers are expected to take several weeks to complete.
Officials say defense attorney audits will also begin in the near future.
As required by law, once there are allegations of DNA contamination and lab protocol not properly being followed, criminal cases can be independently reviewed at the request of the defendant.
Officials say that could mean as many as 2,000 cases could be up for review.
The District Attorney’s office has notified the state’s Forensic Commission. Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley chairs that commission. The agency has oversight of DNA testing facilities around Texas.