Hundreds Of Backlogged Rape Kits In Austin Police Storage Show Signs Of Mold

AUSTIN, TX — Hundreds of backlogged sexual assault kits in Austin police storage have been found to have mold growing on the outside as questions now emerge whether forensic samples have been compromised as a result, according to a published report.

The Austin American-Statesman obtained an internal police memorandum detailing the moldy conditions on the outside of the rape kits. Police have now been prompted to seek guidance from state and national authorities on testing kits as to how to preserve the evidence, the newspaper reported.

Although the affected kits have yet to be tested, they are crucial in building a case against rape offenders through DNA sampling. Facing an outcry over the level of backlog on testing kits, an Austin company that was recently hired reported "...there were no observable issues with any of the samples they processed with the case reported to have mold,” the newspaper reported.

Still, the mold formation is sure not to instill confidence as to the pace of testing on the already-backlogged kits. The mold issue is the latest for the APD in a series of missteps related to the kits, a lethargy that prompted former Police Chief Art Acevedo to temporarily close the local DNA lab following a state audit critical of its procedures and training.

Related story: Austin Police Chief Shuts Down DNA Lab Amid Concerns Over Testing Methods

In the latest embarrassment for police, of 1,629 refrigerated kits, 849 showed some signs of mold formation, the newspaper reported. Police have tried to test thousands of untested rape kits, some of which are decades old, the Statesman noted.

The moldy kits come after a commercial refrigeration company was hired in May to seal seams to prevent moisture from entering the storage area and $20,000 was spent on new equipment that included a dehumidifier and drying cabinet, the newspaper noted.

Police subsequently staged a press conference with amplified details.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

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