Albany, N.Y. - Monroe County Crime Lab Administrator Janet Anderson-Seaquist was fired Tuesday.
The decision comes after an investigative state report
found improper and irresponsible practices by management at the Laboratory. These actions led to key evidence in criminal cases, including a rape, being destroyed.
The Inspector General’s investigation revealed that Laboratory Administrator Janet Anderson-Seaquist and a top member of her staff determined many cases were “past the statute of limitations.” This caused the evidence in a number of those cases to be destroyed.
Upon learning what had been done, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the Laboratory and determined the statute of limitations had not expired in at least 41 of the cases returned to referring agencies.
"The Inspector General's office, knowing there was an issue, dug down deep, you know, issued the report hoping we can move on," said District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
The Inspector General also found that Anderson-Seaquist misled the New York State Commission on Forensic Science. When a commissioner requested that three prior cases analyzed by a technician who made an error be rechecked, Anderson-Seaquist asserted, “Actually, we rechecked all of them.” But, the Laboratory had not.
The Inspector General’s report recommends changes to existing Laboratory policies. The Inspector General’s report can be viewed here.
"We are going to make some significant policy changes at the lab and procedural aspects," Public Safety Director Steve Bowman said.
Anderson-Seaquist was put on administrative leave May 25. She took over management of the lab, which serves Monroe and the seven surrounding counties, in January 2010.
Doorley said that Monroe County has recommended creating a Crime Laboratory Advisory Panel.
John Clark will serve as the acting administrator of the Crime Lab until a permanent replacement is chosen.
