If you read this story by The N&O’s Joe Neff, that can be the only conclusion.

Brian Meehan, director of DNA Security of Burlington testified that Nifong knew full well of exculpatory findings in the second round of DNA tests but decided not to report them. Significantly, Meehan’s testimony came after Nifong had already told the judge that he did not know of the evidence. Here’s Nifong from The N&O:

“The first I had heard of this particular situation was when I was served with this particular motion” on Wednesday, Nifong told the judge. After court, Nifong clarified his remarks to say that he knew about the DNA results.

“And we were trying to, just as Dr. Meehan said, trying to avoid dragging any names through the mud but at the same time his report made it clear that all the information was available if they wanted it and they have every word of it,” Nifong said.

Does Nifong actually think the public will believe he was concerned about dragging the names of innocent lacrosse players through the mud? Compare that statement with those of Meehan later in the day, upon questioning by lacrosse player Reade Seligmann’s attorney:

Did Nifong and his investigators know the results of all the DNA tests? Cooney asked.

“I believe so,” Meehan said.

“Did they know the test results excluded Reade Seligmann?” Cooney asked.

“I believe so,” Meehan said.

Was the failure to report these results the intentional decision of you and the district attorney? Cooney asked.

“Yes,” Meehan replied.

I can add two and two and this comes out five. The reporter is being nice by saying Nifong “clarified” his remarks.