News

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Program Featured on the Texas Ranger's Hall of Fame and Museum
— Texas Ranger's Hall of Fame and Museum, May 6, 2021

The Texas Ranger's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Program was featured in the Texas Ranger's Hall of Fame and Museum. Click here to learn more!

Suspected 'East Valley Rapist' arrested after 22 years on the run
— AZFAMILY.COM, May 5, 2021

Man is arrested in a series of sexual assaults between July of 1999 and October of 2001 based on DNA evidence and collaboration between multiple agencies.

Mayor Keller, APD and Community Partners Provide Update on Rape Kit Backlog and Status of Cases
— Albuquerque Police Department, May 4, 2021

In April 2020, the last of the rape kits were sent out for testing, ending the decades-long backlog. “I am so filled with gratitude for the commitment to Survivors that has been announced today,” said Jodie Jaramillo, Director of Crisis Services for the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico. “Testing rape kits sends a fundamental and crucial message to survivors of sexual violence: You matter. What happened to you matters. Your case matters.  Now more than ever we need to continue to stand vigilantly with Survivors and do everything in our power to continue to guarantee them justice, equality, and all the civil rights that belong to the people of New Mexico.”

After year delay, IMPD begins sexual assault reform with inventory of thousands of rape kits
— Jill Gavin. CBS 4, Apr 30, 2021

“There are three goals for the grant: accountability, justice and reform,” Jane French, Site Coordinator said.

How Durham is making new arrests in old rape cases
— ASHAD HAJELA, News and Observer, Apr 15, 2021

Durham PD makes two arrests based on CODIS hits resulting from testing previously unsubmitted SAKs.

Man sentenced for 1993 crimes as OC works to clear backlog of untested sexual assault kits
— Alma Fausto, Orange County Registry, Apr 14, 2021

Arrest made in case from 1993 based on CODIS hit from testing previously unsubmitted SAKs.

Sterling man sentenced to 37 years in Alaska cold-case kidnapping and rape
— Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, Mar 25, 2021

A Sterling man was sentenced this week to 37 years in prison for kidnapping and raping a woman 20 years ago in a case that hinged on long-delayed testing of DNA evidence in a police sexual assault kit.

Man arrested 20 years after sexual assault enters blind plea
— Fox 10 News Staff, Mar 11, 2021

Man enters blind plea in sexual assault case from 1998. This case is part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) and is the second conviction in Mobile related to this program.

Tulsa police use DNA testing to arrest man accused in 2003 rape case
— Fox 23 News, Mar 11, 2021

DNA from a previously unsubmitted SAK and a subsequent CODIS hit leads to arrest in sexual assault case from 2003.

Fayetteville man arrested in 2009 cold case rape
— CBS 17 Digital Desk, Mar 8, 2021

DNA evidence from a previously untested SAK from 2009 led to arrest in sexual assault case.