Montana Toxicologist Is Charged With DUI – Montana Crime Lab

MISSOULA — A state Crime Lab toxicologist who testifies frequently in court about blood alcohol content was charged with driving under the influence after a breath test put his alcohol level at twice the legal driving limit.

The charge last month against Lynn Kurtz is a misdemeanor because, if he’s convicted, it would be a first offense. He’s also charged with rolling through a stop sign, another misdemeanor.

Kurtz will continue to do casework at the Crime Lab while his case proceeds through court, Judy Beck, a spokeswoman for the state Attorney General’s Office, said Tuesday.

The Crime Lab also is notifying any attorneys who may have subpoenaed Kurtz as an expert witness, she said. Also, the Crime Lab notified its accreditation agency of Kurtz’s arrest.

A Missoula County sheriff’s deputy stopped Kurtz’s black 1994 Chevy just before 11 p.m. on June 25 on Orange Street near the Interstate 90 overpass, according to the report in the case.

When the deputy asked if he’d anything to drink, Kurtz responded, “A couple, and probably too much,” the report said. A plastic beer cup with a Miller Lite logo was on the seat, the report said.