News

Suspect in Westover sexual assault from 24 years ago arrested in Connecticut
— Sam Kirk, 12WBOY, Aug 9, 2024

"DNA evidence and the combined effort of U.S. Marshals and law enforcement from multiple states led to a man accused of committing a sexual assault in Westover, West Virginia in 2000 to be arrested last month. In May 2000, a victim reported a sexual assault to the Westover Police Department, but a suspect was never identified, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service. However, in January 2021, authorities from California matched DNA evidence from a sexual assault case in Montana with evidence from the Westover case."

Man sentenced to 40 years in prison in murder cases involving sex workers dating back 30 years
— Tommy Witherspoon, KWTX, Aug 5, 2024

A Waco man jailed in May after Texas Rangers linked him through a DNA database to the 30-year-old murders of prostitutes in East Texas and California was charged in a sealed indictment this week in McLennan County.

Big Spring man sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault
— CBS7 Staff, Jul 29, 2024

"BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) - This week a man escaped from a Big Spring Courtroom, was recaptured, and then found guilty and sentenced to 40 years in prison for each two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault he was charged with. Marces Morgan, 43, requested to defend himself in court. On Tuesday, July 23, the request was denied. According to our partners at KBEST Media, Morgan then ran out the back door of the courtroom, through downtown Big Spring, and was found hiding behind dumpsters located north of the Howard County Courthouse. He was recaptured by law enforcement and returned to the 118th District Courthouse for his trial. During the pursuit, a law enforcement officer was injured. He was then arrested and charged with Escape, causing Bodily Injury. On Wednesday, a jury found Morgan guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault. On Thursday, the jury deliberated to determine his sentence, which was 40 years for each count, that will be served concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time. The jury took into account prior criminal history including, Failure to ID; Failure to ID, Fugitive; Providing False Information; Prostitution, and Possession of Marijuana."

CT man arrested by U.S. Marshals, Waterbury police 24 years after alleged sexual assault in West Virginia
— Dalton Zbierski, FOX61.com, Jul 23, 2024

"The Connecticut U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department teamed up on Tuesday to arrest a man in Connecticut wanted for a sexual assault he allegedly committed in West Virginia in May 2000, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was part of the West Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which the release said is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. “The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative aims to create a coordinated community response that ensures just resolution to sexual assault cases,” the release said."

Tyler man convicted of 2012 rape cold case sentenced to life in prison
— Zak Wellerman, CBS19.tv, Jul 23, 2024

"A Tyler man convicted of raping a woman in 2012 was sentenced to life in prison during a hearing Tuesday afternoon. Vincente Zavaleta, 45, who was initially named a suspect in three separate sexual assaults that happened in 2003, 2012 and 2016, was convicted in connection with the Dec. 11, 2012 sexual assault following a jury's verdict back in June."

Akron Man sentenced to life in prison for cold case rape
— Brian Koster, Cleveland19, Jul 12, 2024

"53-year-old Derrick Fischer of Akron, was sentenced to life in prison and designated a Tier III sex offender for a 2010 rape. “Derrick Fischer is a dangerous man with a violent history. My office will fight to keep him in prison for the rest of his life. Thank you to local law enforcement, the assistant prosecutors, and the survivor for their unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of justice in this case,” said Prosecutor Kolkovich. The Summit County prosecutors said the prosecution of Derrick Fisher was conducted as part of the Akron Police Department’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The survivor was sexually assaulted in 2010 but at the time the investigation did not lead to a suspect. Evidence in the case was tested in 2017 with a DNA profile matching Derrick Fischer to the crime."

After 47 years, Yakima police identify a cold case homicide victim
— Johanna Bejarano, nwpb.org, Jul 8, 2024

"A cold case victim from nearly 50 years ago has been identified. The Yakima Police Department spoke about the case on July 2. “The application was completed and submitted to the Washington state attorney general’s office to receive a grant through a sexual assault kit initiative funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund the genetic genealogy process,” she said."

FY2024 Solicitation Webinar - National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)
— Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Jul 8, 2024

The recently released FY2024 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) site solicitation was featured as part of a webinar on Monday, July 8th. This webinar, presented by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), includes an overview of various elements of the solicitation, to include changes from previous iterations of the program, eligibility requirements, and guidance on application submission.

‘Every woman’s worst nightmare’: Accused Jacksonville serial rapist arrested nearly 20 years after assaults
— Marcela Camargo, Digital Producer, Jacksonville John Asebes, News4JAX Anchor/Reporter, Jacksonville, Jul 5, 2024

“Just recently when advances in DNA technology allowed for familial DNA testing. We would not be here and Dumas would not be off the streets without the hard work of several people dedicated to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and the investigation of sex crimes,” said Nelson. State Attorney Melissa Nelson said Dumas would target single mothers, hold them at knifepoint, and threaten to harm them and their children if they told police. Officials said they will continue to try and match Dumas’ DNA against other sexual battery cases."

Sexual Assault Kits in Wisconsin
— Alani Claudio, WEAU, Jul 5, 2024

" Beginning on July 1, sexual assault kits in the state of Wisconsin must now be processed within six months. Attorney General Josh Kaul said he’s confident crime labs will be able to meet the new timeline."