Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is predicting "consequences" for what he calls a "breakdown in oversight" at a now-closed state crime lab.
The governor ordered the Boston lab shut down last month after authorities discovered that a chemist had not followed proper protocols in the testing of drug samples. The finding could bring legal challenges from people who have been convicted or are awaiting trial.
The chemist resigned in March and two supervisors have been suspended. A criminal investigation and administrative review are under way.
Patrick said Monday he was limited in what he could say because of the ongoing probes. He says his office is still trying to understand the full scope of the problem.
The chemist is believed to have handled more than 50,000 drug samples during her nine years at the lab.