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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Posted on 07/18/2003 12:03:18 PM PDT by Shermy
According to documents released by the U.S. Justice Department, a dog trainer from Midland, Mich., may be responsible for planting evidence in at least three investigations, Local 4 reported.
Sandra Anderson, of Midland, and her dog Eagle have become famous for their ability to find human remains. But Anderson is now part of a federal probe accusing her of planting evidence at crime scenes.
The FBI began investigating Anderson in 2002 when she and Eagle went to Oscoda to look for the body of missing women. Police in the town apparently accused her of pulling some bones out of her boot and planting them in a stream.
Anderson and her dog also helped convict a Plymouth man three years ago for murdering his wife based in part by evidence they found at the man's home, Local 4 reported.
The man was accused of dismembering his wife's body and leaving parts in Dearborn and Ohio, Local 4 reported.
In Dec. 1999 Anderson's dog found blood in the basement of the convicted murderer. But according to the federal document, a DNA test revealed Anderson's blood was on a hacksaw blade in the basement of the man's home.
The hacksaw blade was reportedly never admitted into evidence in the case, but Eagle found several other areas with blood that were used as evidence toward convicting the man.
The man's attorney, Michael Schwartz, was upset when hearing of the federal investigation into Anderson.
"I'm appalled. You can't take the system of justice and pervert it for any reason.," Schwartz said.
Anderson apparently testified at the man's murder trial.
"She seemed to be, I thought, in my cross examination, that she was a little bit too overconfident in her own abilities and that of the dog," Schwartz said.
In her response to the allegations, Anderson told Local 4, "It's absolutely ridiculous. Eagle did an incredible job and I absolutely did not plant evidence. Anything we touch has DNA."
Schwartz is expected to ask for a new trial for his client next week, Local 4 reported.
"Her credibility clearly would be shot if the jury knew that she planted evidence there that was false," Schwartz said.
But according to authorities, getting a new trial may be difficult after police found more blood in the man's basement under a coat of paint. DNA tests reportedly linked that blood to the murder victim.
Anderson says she and her dog Eagle are still being used to assist in investigations. She and Eagle were used to identify victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. They were also used in the Chandra Levy case and in helping to identify political victims in Panama.
The justice department believes Anderson has planted evidence in at least three cases.
There was no word on if she will face charges any time soon for the allegations.
You should try de-caf.
You should try de-caf.
Heh heh heh.
FMCDH
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