STORY: ""More than 1,200 DWI (driving while intoxicated) cases may be compromised," by reporter Brian Rogers, published by the Houston Chronicle on May 23, 3013.

GIST:  "Defense lawyers said Thursday that problems with a DPS supervisor in Conroe tasked with regulating alcohol testing machines and the police officers who operate them could affect more than 1,200 DWI cases. Glenn Merkord was suspended for 30 days this month for renewing certifications for machine operators who had not fulfilled all of the requirements for certification, according to a letter the Department of Public Safety sent Merkord notifying him of his punishment. "It's very disturbing," said attorney Tyler Flood, who cross-examined Merkord during an April driving-while-intoxicated trial that led to the investigation ending with the technician's suspension. "They found that he wasn't complying with lots of the required DPS guidelines, which is basically the law when it comes to breath testing." DPS officials said little about Merkord on Thursday except that the agency is communicating with area prosecutors explaining the results of the review. In a brief statement, DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said four cases could be affected by the suspension. Flood estimated that the mistakes could affect more than 1,000 cases in Montgomery County and other counties where he oversaw other machines. ........ On Thursday, Merkord said he had made mistakes but expects to be back on the job after being suspended for 30 days on May 10. "I made a mistake, and because of that I was suspended," Merkord said. He said he will retake the tests that qualify him to again oversee Intoxilyzers and the officers who operate them. "I will be recertifying at the earliest opportunity.""

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