Intoximeters, a manufacturer of breathalyzers used in Vermont, is under criminal investigation in Michigan.
Captain Mark Carignan of the Brattleboro Police confirmed that Brattleboro uses this brand of breathalyzer, and that the use of the machine if coordinated by the state forensic laboratory.
He shared this message from the lab:
“It has recently come to the attention of the Vermont Forensic Laboratory (VFL) that Intoximeters, Inc., the manufacturer of the DMT, is involved in a legal matter regarding the maintenance of the DMT instruments for the State of Michigan. Attached please find an email from Phil Simmons, Director, Sales and Marketing for Intoximeters. The allegations being investigated in Michigan do not in any way reflect the accuracy or reliability of the Vermont DMT instruments. The VFL calibrates and certifies our instruments with trained, authorized VFL technicians following the standards set forth in our in-house manuals. Further, the Vermont Forensic Laboratory has been assessed by ANAB and meets ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ANAB 17025:2017 Forensic Science Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation requirements while demonstrating technical competence in the field of Forensic Calibration of the DMT evidential breath testing instrument. The attached email will also be posted on the “memos” section of the VFL DMT discovery website. Please disseminate this information as necessary. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Amanda Bolduc, MFS
Toxicology Section Supervisor
Vermont Forensic Laboratory”
and she shared this message from the manufacturer:
“Intoximeters is cooperating fully with the Michigan State Police’s investigation. The investigation being conducted by the Michigan State Police does not concern the reliability of the Datamaster DMT, but rather the conduct of independent contractors who serviced the instruments in Michigan. Intoximeters is committed to the highest standards of integrity and reliability. As such, it takes the allegations concerning these independent contractors very seriously. Intoximeters is cooperating fully with this investigation and looks forward to assisting the Michigan State Police in resolving this matter.
Phil Simmons
Director, Sales and Marketng, North America”
The investigation does, however, concern possible forgery and fraud by the company. Michigan lawyers are expected to challenge past convictions.
