Another South End Defendant Released in JP Drug Lab Scandal

More defendants got out on bail or had cases dropped on Friday as shocks from the actions of a "rogue chemist" continue to shake the justice system.

The state is culling through 34,000 cases where drug evidence was handled by chemist Annie Dookhan. She's accused of tainting drug samples during years of employment at the State Drug Lab in Jamaica Plain.

On Friday the state cycled 19 defendants through one courtroom at Boston Municipal Court. Two men went free out of those 19. Both had evidence in their cases handled by the disgraced chemist.

In the morning, Christopher Colon, 21, of the South End, was freed on $500 bail in a decision praised by Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley as a model of how such cases should be handled. Colon had been convicted in March 2011 of distribution of a Class B substance. That class includes cocaine.

At midday, Judge Mary Ann Driscoll released Michael Wells of Dorchester on his own recognizance, meaning he did not need to post bail. Wells used to work at Boston Common Coffee Co., according to his lawyer. He was convicted in July 2011 of distribution of a Class B substance in a school zone and possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.

Both Colon and Wells are scheduled to return to court in December as their cases are assessed, said Jake Wark, spokesperson for the district attorney.

Most other defendants, however, turned out not to have connections to Dookhan.

'We're Not Going to Let the City Turn Into a Drug Haven'

Conley said he has spoken with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis about the likelihood of convicted drug dealers flooding back onto the streets of the city. He said authorities have a message for the up to 500 dealers who may go free.

"We are not going to let this city turn into a drug haven now that you're back," Conley said.

Also on Friday, Quincy Police captured a convicted rapist with new charges out of the South End who had failed to show up for a court date after he posted a lowered bail due to the JP state drug lab scandal. 

For all of Jamaica Plain Patch's coverage of the JP Drug Lab Scandal, please visit our topic page on the issue.