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The Michigan Department of State Police (MSP) joined the SAKI program in FY2015 after receiving a grant for $1,385,000. In collaboration with the Prosecuting Attorney's Association of Michigan (PAAM) and Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the MSP has used SAKI grant funds to conduct a statewide inventory of unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs) in law enforcement custody, provide training to law enforcement and prosecutors, and assist with victim services in jurisdictions with a high volume of unsubmitted SAKs. These monies have also been used to support outsourcing DNA analysis for unsubmitted SAKs found during the inventory process.
In FY2016, the MSP applied for and received supplemental SAKI funding. The supplemental funding is being used to (1) assist with the DNA testing and technical reviews of SAKs inventoried, (2) develop a template for law enforcement to determine the testing status of SAKs that have previously been submitted to the crime laboratory but may have been only partially tested or tested with antiquated technology, (3) hire a research partner to assist with analyzing collected data, and (4) provide training and technical assistance—combined with resources—to jurisdictions with the highest numbers of unsubmitted SAKs.
In FY2018, the MSP received two SAKI awards totaling over $1.6 million. Funding from these awards is being used to (1) hire a SAK criminal intelligence analyst; (2) provide trauma-informed forensic interviewing training; and (3) offer subawards to the Treatment Board, PAAM, the Michigan State University Department of Psychology, local agencies investigating and prosecuting SAKI cases, and organizations providing support services to sexual assault victims. Funding will also be used to continue providing technical assistance and consultation to law enforcement, prosecutors, and sexual assault advocacy programs to ensure all participants/disciplines are prepared to respond to the evidence emerging from SAKI cases in a victim-centered manner. Lastly, the funding will help improve MSP's quality of sexual assault response in the future.
Since receiving funding in FY2015, MSP has achieved several goals and milestones—including the following:
In FY2023, SAKI awarded the MSP $1.5 million to continue to build capacity and maintain infrastructure to investigate, prosecute, and respond to SAKI cases and other sexual assault cold cases. In collaboration with Michigan State University and Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) in Ingham, Jackson, and Washtenaw Counties, the MSP aim to enhance support for Michigan's SART, which includes law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, and subject matter experts who not only investigate and prosecute SAKI cases but also share educational resources with justice system stakeholders (e.g., local police) on best practices in investigating both sexual assault and sexual assault cold cases. SAKI data present a unique opportunity to understand sexual assault case progression from both victim and offender perspectives as well as how the justice system performs. Justice system professionals can identify gaps in service while also developing knowledge that will help prevent future harm. This effort depends upon enhanced resources to review and analyze SAKI case and criminal history data, including entry of case information into the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, to continue to broaden understanding of sexual assault. Overall, Michigan State Police will grow its SARTs, partner with local agencies, address the pandemic-related case backlog, and bolster evidence-based sexual assault investigative practices.
For more information on the specific SAKI awards for this site, see the table below.
| Year | Amount | Purpose Area |
|---|---|---|
| FY2015 | $1,385,000 | Comprehensive Approach to Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits |
| FY2016 - supplemental award | $999,979 | Comprehensive Approach to Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits |
| FY2018 | $1,000,000 | Comprehensive Approach to Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits |
| FY2018 | $633,907 | Investigation and Prosecution of Cold Case Sexual Assaults |
| FY2023 | $1,500,000 | Investigation and Prosecution of Cold Case Sexual Assaults |
Please direct all media inquiries to:
To learn more about their progress, read below for other news and events out of Michigan Department of State Police.
Michigan to partner with U.S. Marshals to extradite suspects in sexual assault cold cases
— Beth LeBlanc, The Detroit News, Aug 14, 2024
"The state of Michigan is partnering with the U.S. Marshals Service to help with the extradition of individuals identified and charged in sexual assault cold cases in recent years.
Operation Survivor Justice, believed to be the first such partnership in the country, received about $1 million from the Michigan Legislature in the July budget to help pay for the extraditions, which would usually have to be funded through cash-strapped county prosecutor offices."
Michigan man pleads guilty to 2010 sexual assault cold case at Western Michigan University
— Joseph Buczek, CBS New Detroit, Aug 13, 2024
"A Livonia man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a fellow student at Western Michigan University in January 2010.
Cameron Alvarez, 34, was charged in 2022 for the sexual assault committed on the Kalamazoo campus. On Friday, Alvarez pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the Michigan Attorney General's Office said. "
Former Michigan township official faces life in prison after sexual assault conviction
— Brandon Carr, clickondetroit.com, Mar 23, 2024
"A Kalamazoo County jury returned guilty verdicts on four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against former Fabius Township Supervisor Kenneth Dwayne Linn, 58, of Three Rivers.
Court documents say the assaults occurred in 2010, and the 58-year-old will be sentenced on April 16, with each charge being punishable by up to life in prison."
DNA leads to charges from 2012 sexual assault
— Rachel Ramsey, WLNS, Feb 22, 2024
"DNA has led to charges in connection to a 2012 sexual assault case. Law enforcement officials say the charges are the result of their sexual assault kit initiative (SAKI).
Curtis Lee Fleming was arraigned Thursday. He was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping."
Lansing Man Sentenced up to 80 years in 2012 Cold-Case Sexual Assault
— Michigan.gov, Feb 14, 2024
"Today, Judge James Jamo in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County sentenced Marshawn James Curtis, 30, of Lansing, to 17.5 - 80 years for a rape committed in 2012, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane. Curtis was found guilty of one count of first-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct by an Ingham County jury on December 1st following a cold-case investigation and prosecution by the Ingham/Jackson Regional Sexual Assault Team."
Ingham/Jackson Regional SAKI Unit Secures Jury Conviction of Lansing Man in 2012 Cold-Case Sexual Assault
— Michigan Department of Attorney General, Dec 6, 2023
“The work of our State’s SAKI units is indispensable in securing justice and peace of mind for assault survivors throughout the state, and putting behind bars often-serial offenders who have eluded the criminal justice system for years,” said Nessel. “I am grateful for the efforts of the Ingham/Jackson regional team and the Ingham County Prosecutor’s office on this case, and proud of the successes our SAKI units statewide accomplish in difficult cold-case prosecutions.”
Man convicted of sexual assault after state tests old rape kits
— Nathan Clark, Mlive.com, Oct 30, 2023
"An Ypsilanti man charged with multiple counts of sexual assault from 2015 and 2018 after a set of previously untested rape kits identified him as a suspect has been found guilty.
Smith, 38, was arraigned on two separate criminal sexual assault cases stemming from old DNA evidence collected and tested as part of the state’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative."
Man pleads guilty to 2010 sexual assault in Western Michigan University dorm
— Amber Ainsworth, Fox 2 Detroit, Oct 27, 2023
"A Jackson man pleaded guilty this week to a sexual assault that happened more than a decade ago in a Western Michigan University dorm.
Williams was charged years later thanks to the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which reopens old sex assault cases. He pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct."
Garden City man convicted in 2006 rape after case reopened 15 years later
— Amber Ainsworth, Fox 2 Detroit, Oct 6, 2023
"A Garden City man could face life in prison for a rape committed in 2006, authorities say.
Ramel Rasheed Lindsay, 35, was convicted Wednesday of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from the rape of a then 13-year-old girl.
The crime was reported after it happened, but the sex assault kit performed at the time did not produce DNA evidence, and the suspect was never charged. Then in 2021, the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) team contacted the victim, who suffered severe trauma from the assault, about reopening her case."
Why Kalamazoo’s cold case sexual assault team is the ‘gold standard’
— Mlive, Jun 3, 2023
"A team that investigates sexual assault cold cases -- called the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative -- has been dubbed the “gold standard” in Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel said.
The Kalamazoo SAKI project started in 2017, and is funded through grants. It started investigating untested sexual assault kits and prosecuting cases. Kalamazoo County had about 180 untested kits when the project started, but they’ve all been tested now, Nessel said during a news conference in Kalamazoo on Friday, June 2."
Calhoun Co. man sentenced to prison for 2 sexual assault cold cases
— Fox 17 online, May 20, 2023
“Our SAKI units throughout the state are uniquely qualified to close these long cold sexual assault cases and stop multiple offenders from making victims of more Michigan residents,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “I’m thankful for the team in Calhoun County who worked toward these convictions and, as always, we hope this allows some closure for the survivors.”
“The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has been instrumental in bringing sex offenders to justice,” Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert added. “Advances in DNA technology and tenacious criminal investigations are pulling criminals out of the shadows.”
Kalamazoo SAKI Secures Convictions in 2010 Sexual Assaults
— Michigan.gov, May 15, 2023
Last week, the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) obtained 2 convictions against Jamaal Vincent, 39, of Kalamazoo, for the sexual assaults of two unrelated victims in 2010, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
After nearly 10 years, Milford man charged in rape of Western Michigan student
— CBSNews.com, May 4, 2023
"A 29-year-old man has been charged in the rape of a freshman at Western Michigan University in 2013, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday.
"The work of our department, in collaboration with the SAKI units in Kalamazoo and elsewhere, continues to show sexual assault survivors that justice is still a viable pursuit, even ten years on,"" said Nessel. ""Our hope and goal is that this pursuit leads to aid the healing process for victims. Investigations, charges, convictions; these are important elements of a broader process of securing justice and helping victims to recover."
"Washtenaw Sexual Assault Initiative brings charges against 2 men in 2013 Ypsilanti rape case "
— CBSNews.com, May 2, 2023
""This is the kind of case we are only able to bring charges for through the incredible dedication and vital work of our SAKI teams throughout the state,"" said Nessel. ""Ten years after this assault we are still able to bring charges, and I want other survivors out there to see that. That is possible because of the tremendous work and determination of teams like the Washtenaw SAKI team, whose efforts I am grateful for and applaud.""
The Michigan Legislature funds the SAKI project, and it collaborates with the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the Michigan State Police, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office and SafeHouse Center. "
Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Initiative Brings Man to Trial for 2005 Rape
— Michigan Department of Attorney General, Apr 14, 2023
“The importance of the work being done by the Kalamazoo SAKI team and their counterparts throughout Michigan cannot be overstated,” said Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting. “Being able to provide justice that is long overdue for victims of sexual assault is extraordinarily important. Equally important is the fact that we know that prosecuting these cases often results in preventing future assaults on others by these men.”
Former WMU student sentenced to prison in 10-year-old rape cases after involvement by Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
— WTVB, Mar 27, 2023
"A former Western Michigan University student has been sentenced to 6-15 years in prison for the sexual assaults of a fellow WMU student and a 16-year-old Augusta girl 10 years ago.
The cases came to light as part of the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), a partnership between the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office, and the YWCA of Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo SAKI team consists of a prosecutor from the Attorney General’s Office, two deputized investigators employed by the Kalamazoo Prosecutor’s Office, and a victim advocate/therapist employed by the YWCA."
Wyoming man pleads guilty in two 2013 sexual assaults from Kalamazoo
— News Channel 3, Feb 23, 2023
"Michael Vincenzo Johnson, 30, of Casper, Wyoming pled guilty to two separate sexual assaults in Kalamazoo from 2013, Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel announced Thursday.
“He had already moved to another state to continue his pattern of assaulting young women and girls. I’m grateful for the hard work of the Kalamazoo SAKI investigators and participating law enforcement agencies in Michigan and Wyoming for their help in taking a sexual predator off the streets,” Nessel said."
DNA testing leads to charges against Kalamazoo man for 2005 sexual assault of girl, 14
— Mlive.com, Feb 3, 2023
"Shawn Darnell Robinson Hopkins, 37, Kalamazoo, was arraigned Thursday, Feb. 2, on one felony count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Kalamazoo County District Court.
He is accused of giving a 14-year-old girl alcohol and marijuana before sexually assaulting her in June 2005, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a written statement. He was charged through the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative."
Former Fabius Township Supervisor Heads to Trial on Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Case
— Michigan.gov, Nov 30, 2022
"The former Fabius Township Supervisor accused of sexual assault has been bound over to circuit court on multiple felony criminal sexual conduct charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting announced today.
Kenneth Dwayne Linn, 57, of Three Rivers, is charged with four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct, which is punishable by up to life in prison. Judge Tiffany Ankley of the 8th District Court heard more than five hours of testimony from multiple people including the victim and a witness who was with the victim prior to the sexual assault."
Man sentenced after rape kit test in Jackson County
— WLNS.com, Jun 16, 2022
"A Jackson man has been sentenced after being convicted of sexual misconduct and assault.
Tyrone Demarcus Parker was arrested and convicted after a rape kit was tested as part of Kalamazoo County’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative."
Florida man arrested in connection to 2010 sexual assault cold case in Michigan
— News Channel 3 Staff, May 24, 2022
"Cameron Alvarez, 32, was arrested in the 2100 block of SW Vista Road in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Alvarez was arrested on a felony warrant for two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to deputies.
The Florida sheriff's office and the Port St. Lucie Police Department helped Sexual Assault Kit Initiative investigators from the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office in his arrest."
Jackson man found guilty of sexual assaults dating back to 2014
— mlive.com, May 10, 2022
"An initiative aiming to solve older sexual assault cases has led to the conviction of a Jackson man.
Tyrone Demarcus Parker, 26, was found guilty Friday, May 6, of four charges relating to assault and sexual assault. He is set to appear before Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson for sentencing on June 16, according to court records. The Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office was awarded a grant to expand the program in 2019, which led to further investigations related to previously untested sexual assault kits from various agencies in both Ingham and Jackson counties, officials said.
SAKI was assisted in this investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department and Napoleon Police Department."
Kalamazoo SAKI team secures another conviction, prison sentence
— Will Kriss, WTVB, Nov 24, 2021
A Kalamazoo man convicted of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) will spend more than two decades in prison thanks to Kalamazoo SAKI team. “I continue to be proud of the work being done in Kalamazoo and around the state to secure justice for survivors who long thought they would never see their abuser held accountable,” AG Dana Nessel said. “We know there’s a pattern in these cases: people who commit sexual offenses will continue to offend until they are stopped and held accountable by the court system. Our SAKI teams are doing just that.”
Trial scheduled for Jackson man charged in 2014-15 sexual assault cases
— Mitchell Kukulka, MLive, Nov 23, 2021
A Jackson man charged with multiple sexual assaults is headed to trial in December thanks to investigation started by Kalamazoo SAKI project
Man IDed through old rape kits heads to trial on sexual assault charges
— Nathan Clark, MLive, Nov 22, 2021
An Ypsilanti man facing several sexual assault charges after he was identified as a suspect from two previously untested rape kits is heading to trial.
Coldwater man convicted in second of three sex assault cases spanning three counties
— Brandon James, WKZO, Oct 1, 2021
Jackson County jury has convicted a Coldwater man in the second of three sexual assault cases against him. The charges stem from a February 2010 assault and were brought as part of the state’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
Coldwater man convicted in second sexual assault kit initiative case
— Krystle Hollman, WILX, Sep 30, 2021
Wednesday a Jackson County jury convicted a Coldwater man in the second of three sexual assault cases against him, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka announced.
“This conviction is a testament to the determination our SAKI teams have maintained to secure justice for sexual assault survivors, regardless of the years that have passed since the assault,” Nessel said. “I appreciate the work done by the Jackson County SAKI team to reach this outcome.”
Coldwater Man Sent to Prison in Kalamazoo Co. Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Case
— Michigan Department of Attorney General, Sep 7, 2021
The Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) secured prison time against a habitual offender after he was sentenced in one of three cases currently pending as a result of successful evidence testing, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting announced today.
State SAKI program leads to charges, guilty plea in two sexual assualt cases
— Fox 17 News Staff, Aug 13, 2021
The Michigan State SAKI project announced one guilty plea in a case from 2013 and multiple charges filed for another suspect in a case from 2018.
“The work done by our SAKI teams continues to be pivotal in securing charges in cold case sexual assaults,” says AG Dana Nessel. “These ongoing cases should serve as a reminder to survivors that while justice may be delayed, we are here to ensure it will not be denied.”
IJR-SAKI Team shares progress with rape cold cases linked to previously untested rape kits
— Erica Murphy, Fox 47 News, Jul 10, 2021
"When we did an inventory in Ingham County, we learned we had 123 untested sexual assault evidence kits. And thanks to funds from MSP and the AG we were able to have every single one of those kits tested," said Harrison. "So far, there have been charges brought against two suspected offenders in mid-Michigan."
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative leads to Jackson man’s arrest
— WKHM Staff, Jun 27, 2021
Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Jarzynka announced that a Jackson man has been charged with six counts including Criminal Sexual Conduct and Assault with Intent to Murder thanks to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
Kalamazoo program aims to restore faith in justice system for sexual assault survivors
— Hannah Knowles, WWMT West Michigan, Feb 22, 2021
“Hopefully projects like this will create a belief in the system that something will happen," Jeff Getting, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor said. "Far too often victims have reason to question, 'Will someone believe me? Will there be an effort to prosecute a case?' or, 'Will I be made the victim again?'"
Tennessee man sentenced to prison in 2013 Kalamazoo sexual assault case
— Bianca Cseke, Fox 17, Feb 4, 2021
“Our communities must be protected against those who commit sexual assaults against children and other vulnerable victims. I appreciate the hard work put into resolving this case by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office and the SAKI team and their commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of sexual assault victims.” Michigan AG Dana Nessel
Man ordered to trial after woman said she was sexually assaulted in 2012
— Trace Christenson, Battle Creek Enquirer, Feb 3, 2021
A Hartford man on Tuesday was ordered to trial on five counts of sexual assault after a woman testified she was a victim in 2012 as part of the Calhoun SAKI project.
AG Nessel announces sentencing for William Darnell Johnson in sexual assault cases
— News Channel 3, Jan 25, 2021
“This conviction would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of the Kalamazoo SAKI team, and I am grateful for the justice these professionals were able to provide to these women.”- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
Man identified through sex-assault cold case project gets prison for series of assaults dating to 2001
— WKRG Staff, Jan 22, 2021
A sex assault cold case project helped authorities identify and prosecute a Kalamazoo man police say was responsible for a series of sexual assaults dating to 2001.
Man arrested after 2010 rape kit is finally tested
— Wells Foster, WoodTV.com, Jan 8, 2021
A Coldwater man is in custody after a decade-old rape kit was finally tested, reports Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Jarzynka. “We care about victims, we care about justice. We are invested in crimes that occurred yesterday and crimes that occurred like in this case, ten years ago. I admire this grant, the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative as a whole and the agencies in this community for never losing sight of justice for the victims of sexual assault,” said Jarzynka
Man arraigned in 2012 alleged rape in Marshall
— Trace Christenson, Battle Creek Enquirer, Dec 9, 2020
Man charged with five counts of sexual assault stemming from a 2012 case.
Man charged with sexually assaulting teenage girl in Holt in 2005
— Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal, Oct 7, 2020
DNA evidence leads to arrest in sexual assault case from 2005.
Michigan man charged with 2010 sexual assault
— WILK, Sep 30, 2020
DNA from a previously unsubmitted SAK leads to arrest in case from 2010.
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.
Battle Creek man to stand trial in 10-year-old rape
— Trace Christenson, Battle Creek Enquirer, May 8, 2018
A Battle Creek man will stand trial on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for a rape that occurred nearly 10 years ago. This is the sixth case charged in Calhoun County from the testing of previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.
Man pleads guilty to 2008 rape of girl, 14, after push to test rape kits
— Emily Monacelli, mlive.com, May 7, 2018
In Kalamazoo County, the first of many sexual assault cases stemming from the testing of old rape kits has come to a resolution after a man pleaded guilty to a rape that occurred nearly 10 years ago.
Battle Creek man faces sexual assault charge from 2008 incident
— Trace Christenson, Battle Creek Enquirer, Apr 20, 2018
A Battle Creek man has been charged in connection with a 2008 rape. The rape kit associated with this case was tested after more than 1,800 untested rape kits were found in Michigan. The defendant has been charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct and being a habitual third offender. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Rapist who almost got away with it, going to prison
— John McNeill, WKZO Everything Kalamazoo, Jun 10, 2017
Thanks to funding provided by the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, David Hull is going to jail for 20-30 years for assaulting a 14-year-old girl who lived near him. To learn more about the conviction and sentencing in Michigan, read the full article.
Michigan State Police gets federal grants to review rape kits
— Brad Devereaux, MLive, Oct 13, 2016
Recent federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance will allow the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division to conduct inventorying and testing of backlogged rape kits, as well as conduct investigations stemming from the rape kit testing. To learn more, read the full article.
Michigan works to process untested rape kits
— Sarah Hurwitz, Wood TV, Apr 6, 2016
Testing of backlogged rape kits in Michigan became infamous when in 2009, prosecutors in Detroit discovered 11,000 untested sexual assault evidence kits, some dating as far back as the 1980’s. Since then, Michigan has been working tirelessly not only to catch up on its backlog, but to ensure that this never happens again. The testing revealed more than 470 links to serial rapists and connections to cases in 35 other states. Testing and prosecution led to legislation that requires law enforcement to submit any kit for testing within 28 days.
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. Through this program, funding is provided to support multidisciplinary community response teams engaged in the comprehensive reform of jurisdictions approaches to sexual assault cases resulting from evidence found in previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.
