Tech gets nine months in jail for alcohol-breath device crimes

KALAMAZOO (AP) — One of two people charged with forgery and other crimes in an investigation of Michigan’s desktop alcohol-breath devices has been sentenced to nine months in jail.

The DataMaster breath test is used to measure alcohol levels at county jails or police departments after a motorist is arrested. Earlier this year, all 203 machines were taken out of service until state police could verify that each was properly calibrated.

David John, 59, was sentenced Monday in Kalamazoo County, just a few days after a similar case against Andrew Clark was dismissed by an Eaton County judge, who cited a lack of intent to defraud.

John and Clark worked for Intoximeters, a St. Louis company that had a state contract to service the machines. They were accused of creating false documents to show they completed tests and repairs on DataMasters at two police agencies.

John pleaded guilty, the Lansing State Journal reported.

“This boils down to a situation where my client ended up in a no-win situation and made selfish choices that are inexcusable," defense attorney Donald Smith said.

John asked to be spared a jail sentence during a pandemic, but Judge Paul Bridenstine denied the request.