PA Auditor General Raises Red Flag On Untested Rape Kits

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania's auditor general says the backlog of untested rape kits in the state is nearly 1900… and that number may actually be larger.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale cites numbers from the state Department of Health.

"According to the Department of Health's May report, there were 3,044 overall untested rape kits, and 1,852 backlogged rape kits. That means there could be literally thousands of victims in Pennsylvania awaiting justice."

DePasquale says rape kits are deemed backlogged if untested for a year or more. And declaring the report from the Department of Health flawed, he says the numbers he referenced are a minimum.

The auditor general cites a number of problems, including poor communications between law enforcement and government agencies, and a lack of resources, including overwhelmed crime laboratories.

Meanwhile, State Police and the Department of Health say they have signed an agreement to streamline sexual assault evidence procedures.