Texas criminal cases on hold amid probe of DNA tests

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Texas prosecutors have put more than 100 criminal cases on hold as officials investigate allegations that a police forensic scientist falsified DNA tests.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that scientist Amanda Schaffner has been placed on administrative leave while city police conduct an internal affairs investigation into whether she failed to do a quality control test and tried to cover it up.

Documents obtained by the paper say Schaffner has denied any wrongdoing.

A police spokesman confirmed the investigation and said the Texas Forensic Science Commission had been informed but declined to elaborate.

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The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office told KXAS-TV that there are 117 pending cases in which Schaffner played a role, including murders and sexual assaults.

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Information from: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, http://www.star-telegram.com