Montana Crime Lab Toxicologist Arrested for DUI

A Montana State Crime Lab toxicologist who frequently offers expert trial testimony about blood-alcohol content is charged with driving under the influence.

The Missoulian reports Lynn Kurtz was charged with a misdemeanor DUI last month. Court records say a Missoula County deputy stopped Kurtz’s pickup late on June 25. He performed poorly on field sobriety tests and breath tests showed his blood alcohol level was 0.16, or twice the legal limit.

Judy Beck, a spokeswoman in the attorney general’s office, says Kurtz will continue to do his casework at the crime lab while his case proceeds through court. She says the lab is notifying any attorneys who may have subpoenaed Kurtz as an expert witness and has notified its accreditation agency of Kurtz’s arrest.

Kurtz declined comment.