Ex-SF crime lab tech won't face criminal charges

2010-12-31 11:42:00 PST San Francisco, CA 94100, United States — (12-31) 11:42 PST San Francisco, CA (AP) --

State prosecutors will not file criminal charges against the former San Francisco crime lab technician accused of stealing drug evidence.

Jim Finefrock, a spokesman for the California Attorney General's Office, said Friday that there wasn't sufficient evidence to charge Deborah Madden. Madden was accused of stealing small amounts of cocaine from the lab while working there in late 2009.

The allegations led to the lab's closure and the dismissal of more than 600 drug cases.

San Francisco prosecutors asked the attorney general's office in April to investigate the alleged theft.

Madden's attorney, Paul DeMeester, said his client is ecstatic about the attorney general's decision.

San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon said he was disappointed, but respects the attorney general's decision.