Ex-Chemist Dookhan Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to Prison

Annie Dookhan, the centerpiece in a scandal that has rocked the Massachusetts criminal justice system, has pleaded guilty to charges that she falsified evidence in thousands of cases during her time as a state chemist.

In total, she was sentenced to a prison term of between three and five years followed by a two-year probationary period.

Dookhan pled to 27 charges including tampering with evidence, obstruction and falsification of documents. In Suffolk Superior Court she admitted guilt in full.

“You’re pleading guilty because you are guilty?” said Justice Carol Ball, according to several news outlets.

“Yes, your honor,” Dookhan replied.

Dookhan gave the same response – “yes” or “no” – to a variety of questions from Ball making certain she fully understood her plea.

Dookhan, with tears in her eyes, admitted she falsified evidence to further her career.