Massachusetts DNA database chief is fired

Robert Pino, the DNA database administrator for the Massachusetts State Police crime lab, has been fired, three months after he was suspended for allegedly mishandling DNA evidence. Officials have said that Pino allowed the collection of samples not permitted by law, reported incomplete results to police and reported database matches to prosecutors after the statute of limitations had run out. Pino has worked at the lab for 23 years, and his union is disputing his firing.

Pino’s firing is among continuing problems at the Massachusetts lab. Last month, the lab’s director resigned under pressure after his job performance received an unfavorable review. A top-to-bottom audit of the lab is currently underway.



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. (Boston Globe, 4/16/07)