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  August 10, 2003
www.nyc.gov

Protecting Women By Ensuring Sex Offenders Face Justice

By Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

On Monday, August 4, I announced a bold new initiative that represents a major step forward in our ongoing battle against rape and sexual assault. It’s called the John Doe Indictment project, and it’s meant to ensure that all sex offenders face justice whenever they are caught. Citywide, we will target unsolved sexual assault cases that are about to expire under the 10-year statute of limitations and then indict the unknown offenders, or “John Does,” based on their DNA profiles. This will preserve our right to prosecute them when their identities become known, which is becoming increasingly likely as the New York State DNA Databank is matching more convicted offenders to more unsolved violent sex crimes than ever before.

In one powerful example that illustrates why this new program is so important, a serial sex offender who raped four Harlem women between March 1991 and May of 1992 was recently identified using DNA technology. But because the DNA match was made after the statute of limitations had expired, we cannot go forward with prosecution. There will be no justice for this dangerous sexual predator, or his victims, and he will continue to walk the streets. And sadly, this case is not an isolated example. In fact, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has identified approximately 600 unsolved sexual assault cases whose statute of limitations will expire by the end of next year.

That’s where the John Doe Indictment Project comes in. For the first time, prosecutors, police, and scientists will join forces to indict the DNA profiles of unknown sex offenders. Our administration is committed to using technology to enhance the criminal justice system, and this a perfect example. With the John Doe Indictment Project, rapists will no longer profit from avoiding apprehension, because by indicting their DNA profiles, we can stop the clock on the statute of limitations. So on the day we find out who the rapist is – whether his DNA gives him up in 10 years, 20 years or more – he will have his day in court.

To support this comprehensive effort, we are going to provide the District Attorneys with the resources they need to get the job done. Through a Federal grant, our five District Attorney’s offices will be able to dedicate one prosecutor and one civilian investigator to work solely on the John Doe Indictment Project. Each of these teams will work closely with the NYPD and scientists at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to present evidence to the Grand Jury and indict as many qualified cases as possible, starting with those on the verge of expiring. Bottom line: we will do whatever it takes to protect New Yorkers from sexual predators. We will be proactive. We will be systematic. And we will apply this innovative legal strategy on an unprecedented scale, with the end result being more certain justice for the victims of sexual assault and a safer New York for everyone.

www.nyc.gov