Ohio AG sets new policy for rape kits

COLUMBUS — Local law enforcement will be asked to submit sexual-assault kits to state investigators for further review, under a new state policy announced by Attorney General Mike DeWine.

The change, OK’d by a commission appointed by DeWine to study the issue, will cover new assaults and samples taken from older offenses, some dating as far back as the early 1990s.

The hope, DeWine told reporters during a press conference today, is that DNA submitted as part of the process will identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“Up until now, quite candidly, a lot of sexual- assault kits simply have not been submitted for testing,” DeWine said. “And many sit today on evidence shelves across the state of Ohio. We need to change this.”

He added, “We want to assure that victims of sexual assault and their cases will not be forgotten. We are determined to bring these rapists to justice.”

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com