Lab Charged With Reckless Homicide

A laboratory was charged with reckless homicide Wednesday for allegedly misreading Pap smears that could have saved the lives of two women. A technician and the doctor who supervised the lab escaped immediate prosecution under a deal with prosecutors.

District Attorney E. Michael McCann brought the charges against Chem-Bio Corp. of suburban Oak Creek in the case of Dolores Geary and Karin Smith. The company could face a maximum $20,000 in fines if convicted.

The women died of cervical cancer after the lab missed what experts testifying at an inquest said were unmistakable signs of cancer on their gynecological exams.

Over the weekend, the inquest jury had recommended reckless homicide charges against the laboratory as well as a technician and the doctor who oversaw the lab.

The technician and the doctor each signed an agreement with his office that defers prosecution for six years as long as they follow certain guidelines. If they abide by the agreement, no charges will be filed.