Former Ripon Crime Lab Analyst To Stand Trial

STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) -- Prosecutors say a former forensic analyst at a state crime lab in Ripon will stand trial over allegations he stole drug samples from the lab.

Hermon Brown was arrested on Sept. 9 on suspicion of stealing drugs that police had confiscated during drug busts. His arrest came after authorities say drug samples he processed turned up weighing less than when checked in.

The 41-year-old was indicted by a San Joaquin criminal grand jury on five felony counts of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, grand theft and possession of meth for sale.

Brown worked at the Central Valley Crime Lab, which processes drug samples for law enforcement authorities in Calaveras, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties.

He is free on $140,000 bail.

Brown is due back in court Feb. 7 when a trial date is expected to be set.

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