Crimesider
Crimesider
October 4, 2012 5:18 PM

Inmate freed after Mass. lab scandal fails to show up for court, is now a fugitive

By
Crimesider Staff
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Daily Blotter

Marcus Pixley

/ AP Photo/Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
(CBS/AP) BOSTON - Authorities say a career criminal whose bail was reduced because of allegations of mishandling of drug samples by a Massachusetts chemist has failed to show up for court and is now a considered a fugitive.

Marcus Pixley's bail was originally $5,000 cash after he was charged with possession and intent to distribute crack cocaine.

His bail was reduced to $1,000 because the drugs he was allegedly found with her tested by Annie Dookhan, a state chemist charged in a scandal that has potentially put thousands of drug cases in jeopardy.

Pixley posted the reduced bail but failed to appear in court Wednesday. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest on Thursday.

Pixley has a criminal record dating 1977, including convictions for rape, assault and battery, and drugs.

Prosecutors argued against Pixley's bail reduction.

More on Crimesider
September 28, 2012 - Annie Dookhan, chemist at Mass. crime lab, arrested for allegedly mishandling over 60,000 samples
Sept. 25, 2012 - Mass. lab mishandling may mean 1,140 inmates convicted using tainted evidence, report says


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