Battling the backlog: More than 1,100 potentially untested and unsolved sexual assault kits in Kern County

6 years ago

More than 1,000 potentially untested sexual assault kits are on an evidence room shelf here in Kern County.  Some of those sexual assault kits date back nearly 40 years. 23ABC's I-Team investigated why there are so many that are potentially untested and how officials said they're working to stop the backlog from growing.  “We’re struggling to keep up with what’s coming through the door," said Scott Spielman the Assistant District Attorney. Spielman said each year between 200 and 250 sexual assault examinations are submitted in the county and Spielman said they're processing more cases quicker than they have in the past.

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