News

MT DOJ set to launch Sex Assault Kit Tracking System
— MTN News, 8KPAX, Aug 30, 2019

Montana statewide evidence tracking system for sexual assault kits launches September 1, 2019.

First Conviction Issued After Testing of Backlogged Sexual Assault Kits
— Wisconsin Department of Justice, Aug 29, 2019

A jury in Waupaca County convicted Leroy R. Whittenberger of three counts of Second Degree Sexual Assault, class C Felonies, for the assault of a teenage victim that occurred in July 2012

Multnomah County indictment is 9th tied to backlog of tested sex assault kits
— Bob Heye, KATU News, Aug 24, 2019

A grand jury indicted 52-year-old Donnie Michael Willis Jr. on charges of raping and sexually assaulting a 31-year-old woman in 2007.

Cases from rape kit backlog getting closer to prosecution
— Jon Paepcke, WVTM 13, Aug 19, 2019

Jefferson County has tested 400 of the previous unsubmitted sexual assault kits in their custody, and the DA is preparing 2 cases to present to a grand jury.

1995 COLD CASE: Woman feels free after rapist sentenced to prison
— Glenn Counts, WSOC TV, Aug 16, 2019

A DNA hit led to Christopher McNear’s arrest and conviction. He was sentenced to 16 to 21 years in prison.

Grand jury indicts man in sexual abuse case dating to 2013 using evidence from old sex assault kit, DA says
— Tom Hallman Jr. , The Oregonian, Aug 16, 2019

A 36-year-old man has been indicted for allegedly sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl in 2013 and 2014 -- the eighth indictment stemming from a test on an old sexual assault evidence kit, authorities said Friday.

Kent County probation officer charged in 2009 rape on Western Michigan University campus
— Mike Krafcik, Newschannel 3, Aug 7, 2019

In Kalamazoo County, a team of special prosecutors examining untested rape kits brought forward charges against 3 men for a rape that took place in a Western Michigan University door room in 2009.

Statewide 'rape kit' inventory nears completion
— Katharine Finnerty, Missourian, Aug 7, 2019

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has announced that 95.6% of law enforcement agencies and 98.5% of hospitals and Veterans Affairs medical facilities have completed an inventory of sexual assault kits.

Sex assault kit testing results in prosecution of 2015 Great Falls rape
— Amy Beth Hanson, Helena independent Record, Aug 1, 2019

A convicted sex offender is the first man charged with rape under a Montana Department of Justice initiative to analyze about 1,200 previously untested sexual assault evidence kits held by local law enforcement agencies, the DOJ said Thursday.

AG Kaul Announces New Data from the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Screen reader support enabled.
— Wisconsin Department of Justice, Jul 31, 2019

For survivors looking for information about their kit, contact the law enforcement agency where the assault was reported, a local sexual assault service provider, or the DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services at 1-800-446-6564.