New Data: AG’s Rape Kit Backlog at Highest Level – 3,893 Untested Kits

July 7, 2014

TOLEDO BLADE PRAISES PEPPER’S PLAN TO SPEED UP RAPE KIT TESTING 

CINCINNATI – Data released just before the July 4th holiday revealed that the backlog of untested rape kits sitting in the Attorney General’s Office has grown for the ninth straight month and now stands at a record high of 3,893 untested kits. Thousands more kits from around the state have yet to be submitted to the Attorney General for testing.

Today, David Pepper, Democratic Nominee for Ohio Attorney General, released the following statement about the ever-growing backlog:

“The demand for justice for sexual assault survivors continues to overwhelm the Attorney General’s ability to get the job done. Allowing the backlog of untested kits to grow for nine straight months is a glaring management failure, particularly when collaboration with local crime labs could easily speed up the testing process and end the backlog.”

In May, Pepper called on the Attorney General’s Office to expand the Sexual Assault Kit Testing Initiative by including qualified local crime labs to increase testing capacity. Pepper has pledged to work with local labs and the General Assembly to find resources necessary to clear the backlog within 150 days of taking office.

In an editorial published Thursday, July 3rd, The Toledo Blade called on Mike DeWine to embrace Pepper’s plan to speed up the process. Amongst other things, The Blade noted that:

  • “David Pepper…told The Blade’s editorial page that the backlog could be erased by forming partnerships with local crime labs.”
  •  “Given the number of kits waiting to be tested, it’s reasonable to enlist the help of regional crime labs that are willing and able to do the work.”
  • “At least a handful of regional crime labs in Ohio are willing and able to do the work, and do it well.”
  • “The Hamilton County coroner endorses Mr. Pepper’s plan, suggesting that the attorney general’s office collaborate with that county’s crime lab.”
  • Despite overwhelming evidence that a fix is needed, DeWine “has no plans to outsource the testing of old DNA kits to regional labs.”

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Feb-13

1,728

May-13

2,096

Jul-13

2,015

Aug-13

1,955

Aug-13

2,010

Oct-13

2,468

Nov-13

2,455

Dec-13

2,587

Jan-14

2,669

Feb-14

2,786

Mar-14

2,840

Apr-14

3,193

May-14

3,466

Jun-14

3,817

Jul-14

3,893