Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Former Montana crime lab technician charged with stealing drugs

MISSOULA – Authorities say a former technician stole narcotics from the Montana State Crime Lab.

The Missoulian reported that 54-year-old Steven Brester was charged with possessing dangerous drugs and evidence tampering. He’s accused of taking narcotics meant to be used as evidence in criminal cases.

Court documents say lab supervisors told investigators in June 2015 that they suspected Brester had been stealing narcotics. An investigation found that Brester fabricated shipping evidence 18 times, tricking the lab’s system into saying the narcotics had been returned to police departments.

Defense attorney Mat Stevenson said Thursday asked for Brester to remain free under his own recognizance and said his client has been voluntarily undergoing drug testing.

The judge allowed Brester’s release and ordered him to stay away from the crime lab and its employees.