Former CSI Lab Tech Pleads Not Guilty In Federal Case

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A former technician at the San Francisco Police Department's crime lab has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that she skimmed cocaine from the lab.

The San Mateo County Times reports in her first court appearance since her indictment on federal charges, Deborah Madden pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges she obtained drugs by fraud or subterfuge.

Authorities say Madden took cocaine evidence from the lab while working there in late 2009.

The earlier allegations against Madden led to the lab's closure and the dismissal of hundreds of drug cases.

But state prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Madden, saying there was insufficient evidence that she was stealing drugs she was supposed to be testing.

Prosecutors say if convicted of the federal charges, the 61-year-old Madden is facing up four years in prison and a $$250,000 fine.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)