Probation Likely For Accepting Bribes For Clean Drug Tests

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - A man is expected to be sentenced to probation after authorities say he accepted bribes from Michigan parolees to give negative urine test results.

The Saginaw News reports 58-year-old Ronald L. McKethern pleaded guilty last week to obstruction of justice in a Saginaw County courtroom. The charge is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, but prosecutors will recommend a judge sentence McKethern to probation.

McKethern worked for a business that performed drug testing of parolees under contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Police say prison investigators suspected McKethern was taking money from some parolees in exchange for reporting negative drug test results without actually performing the screening, so an undercover investigation was conducted involving a detective posing as a parolee.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 29.

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