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Thomas A. Brettell, Ph.D.
Chief Forensic Scientist
New Jersey State Police

The Speaker: Thomas A. Brettell is Chief Forensic Scientist of the New Jersey State Police Forensic, Science Laboratory Bureau. He received his BA degree (1973) in Chemistry from Drew University, Madison, NJ; a MS degree (1975) in Chemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA; and a Ph.D. degree (1987) in Analytical Chemistry from Villanova University. After serving as a Research Assistant in the Biochemistry Department of Temple University Medical School, Dr. Brettell joined the New Jersey State Police Forensic Science Bureau in 1976. He presently teaches Forensic Science in the Law and Justice Departments at The College of New Jersey and Rider University. He is past President of the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley and was presented the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley Award in 1997. Dr. Brettell has also served on the Advisory Board of the Journal of Analytical Chemistry from 1996. Dr. Brettell is a member of the Board of Governors of the Eastern Analytical Symposium, a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Scientists and a certified Diplomat of the American Board of Criminalistics. He is presently the Chairman of the Criminalistics Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He also holds memberships in the American Chemical Society, the New Jersey Association of Forensic Scientists, the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists, and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists. His present research interests include headspace analysis in gas chromatography, and forensic investigations with Raman ‘mircospectrophotometry‘

The Talk: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GBH) has become a popular drug of abuse that has been commonly associated with sexual assault cases (Date rape) throughout the country. GHB was first used clinically in Europe as an anesthetic in the 1960s; however its uses were discontinued as it lacked analgesic properties, and side effects were reported. GHB is currently available in Europe as an anesthetic adjunct and a hypnotic agent, and is also used to treat symptoms of alcohol dependence and opiate withdrawal syndrome. GHB is controlled in the United States, but is still abused by bodybuilders as an alternative to anabolic steroids to enhance muscle growth, and recreationally by others for its intoxicating effects as euphoria, reduced inhibitions, and sedation.

The primary effects of GHB are those of a CNS depressant. Clinical and adverse effects range from relaxation and euphoria, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, agitation, loss of peripheral vision, and unarousable unconsciousness. These classical clinical symptoms are clearly contraindicated for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Because of the use of GHB as a popular club (Rave) drug, an increase has been noted in suspected drunk driving cases in New Jersey. As a result, there has been an increase in requests for GHB analysis and the New Jersey State Police Forensic Laboratory have encountered a number of cases where GHB was detected in suspected drunk drivers. Examples of casework as well as the methodology to detect GHB in biological fluids from suspected drunk drivers and drug facilitated sexual assault victims will be discussed and presented.

The April meeting will be held at Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford.

The restaurant is located at 1750 Clements-Bridge Road, Deptford NJ 08096

From North Jersey, Philly, take I295 to exit 26, take Highway 42/Atlantic City Expressway south towards Atlantic City, and exit onto Highway 55. Take the first exit. Go left at the light and proceed to Clements-Bridge Road. Turn right. The restaurant is on the left side of the road and will require you to do a U-turn.

From Atlantic City, take the AC Express way to the Route 322 exit. Go through Rowan campus to route 55. Take Route 55 north to the Deptford Mall exit. Use directions above.

From Rowan, use Route 55 to go to the Deptford Mall, exit and then use the directions above.

Please call the restaurant at 856-845-8200 for directions if needed. You can also check their web site at www.adelphiarestaurant.com.

Dinner selections:
Chicken Portofino, Grilled Chicken with Grilled Vegetables, Prime Rib Au Jus, Vegetarian Entrée (Chef’s Choice)

Please contact one of the people below by Friday, April 11.

Mike Granchi (856) 589-8969 or ‘chemist@snip.net’
Peter Mlynek (856) 787-0770 or ‘pdmlynek@yahoo.com’
Thomas Colacot (856) 384-7185 or ‘colactj@jmusa.com’