Florida has thousands of untested rape kits, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Bondi made the announcement about the backlog of sexual assault exams Wednesday morning at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Bondi said the state has now committed $300,000 in funding for a study to figure out a solution.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has seen 327 rape victims in just this year. Rape kits could be the key to bringing a suspect to justice.
Even so, Bondi said thousands of rape kits have gone untested. She pointed to prioritizing within agencies and FDLE lab funding issues.
“There are many reasons rape kits aren't sent, frankly,” said Bondi. “If we don't have a victim, if a defendant confesses right away and enters a plea.”
Bondi said technology has changed much in recent years, and rape kits that may not have produced results back then can do so now.
The FDLE and local law enforcement agencies are now taking part in a state-wide assessment of the extent of the problem.
“We have the potential to solve cold cases, and lock up sexual predators and make Florida the safest place to live and raise a family,” said Bondi.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said over the last year they’ve already identified untested kits, and have been sending them in 50 at a time for processing.
“You may think you got away with a crime," Nocco said. "With us putting this DNA in the system, we’re going to be able to come after you."
The DNA would also be put in to a national database to help solve crimes across the country.
There's no timeline for what Bondi is calling a 'huge under-taking.’
“If one victim is saved, it's worth every penny,” said Bondi.