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Congressman Cohen Praises Use of DNA Evidence to Win Conviction in 18-year-old Rape Case

October 17, 2018

Important for Congress to keep funding rape kit analysis

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today praised the use of DNA evidence to win a conviction against the perpetrator of an 18-year-old rape that occurred in southwest Memphis.

"DNA analysis is a powerful tool to bring about justice, but it doesn't work when rape kits sit on shelves untested," said the Congressman. "Congress must continue to provide funding to ensure that all rape kits get tested and all perpetrators are brought to justice. I commend the prosecutors in this case for their continued vigilance."

Congressman has repeatedly introduced amendments to increase funding for rape kit analysis in the face of a nationwide backlog. Since 2014, Congressman Cohen's amendments have helped increase nationwide funding for the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) by 36 percent.

According to The Commercial Appeal, David Hugo Johnson was convicted late last week for a sexual assault that occurred in Memphis. Johnson is currently in prison in Oklahoma for burglary.

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