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DOJ Sexual Assault Kit Tests Yield Charges Against 6 People

Wisconsin DOJ Reviewing 600 Cases, Another 1K To Be Reviewed

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sexual assault evidence collection kit
A sexual assault evidence collection kit is checked in by a forensic analyst for testing in the biology lab at the Houston Forensic Science Center Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Houston. Pat Sullivan/AP Photo

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s work to test thousands of rape kits has resulted in charges against less than a half-dozen people so far.

Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel began a project in 2016 to test thousands of unanalyzed sexual assault kits. He drew intense criticism from Democratic challenger Josh Kaul during last year’s campaign for taking too long to complete the testing.

Schimel announced in September that testing was complete on about 4,100 kits. Kaul still defeated him in the November election.

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Kaul announced Friday that the DOJ is reviewing 600 cases. That review has led to charges against six people.

Kaul said the DOJ plans to review another 1,000 cases in which kit tests revealed DNA profiles.

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