Crime Lab Suspect Enters Plea

Ripon, CA – An analyst for a crime lab utilized by Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties has pleaded not guilty to felony theft and drug charges.

Authorities allege that Hermon Brown, 41, of Sacramento tampered with cocaine and methamphetamine at a state run crime lab in Ripon. The lab analyzes drug evidence from five counties, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus. The investigation was initiated in April when officials found that some of the methamphetamine handled by Brown weighed less than when it first arrived at the lab.

District Attorney’s in the five counties affected were briefed about the matter earlier this year and agreed to do a thorough review of all cases handled by Brown dating back to 2006. Brown’s case is expected to go to trial in November.