Trial set for Mass. lab tech accused of drug theft

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - A lab chemist accused of stealing drugs from a state crime lab in western Massachusetts is scheduled for trial early next year.

The Springfield Republican reports that a judge on Monday set trial for 35-year-old Sonja Farak of Northampton for February 2014. Farak worked at the state crime lab at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has pleaded not guilty to tampering with evidence and stealing and possessing drugs.

Her lawyer told the judge she intends to file a motion to suppress evidence in the case.

Farak was arrested in January after other lab workers told state police some drugs were missing.

A Hampden Superior Court judge has suspended the sentences of eight men because the evidence in their cases might have been contaminated.

Cox Media Group