DUI cases questioned as sergeant accused of improper testing

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey prosecutors are notifying thousands of people charged with drunken driving that their cases are being reviewed after a state police sergeant was accused of skipping a required step in the calibration of three alcohol breath-testing devices.

NJ.com obtained a copy of a letter saying that a retired judge has been assigned to decide whether the allegations undermine the results of all breath tests using machines that Sgt. Marc Dennis handled over an eight-year period.

Authorities have identified more than 20,000 potentially affected cases.

Dennis faces criminal charges including falsifying records. His lawyer says he denies wrongdoing.

The state Division of Criminal Justice says the step he skipped was legally required but not scientifically necessary to ensure proper calibration.

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Information from: NJ.com, http://www.nj.com