A genealogy database search has led to a charge in a 14 year old Tampa cold case, according to police and FOX 13.
Jared, a Florida man, was charged with sexual battery in connection with a January 2007 assault of a woman at a University of Tampa dorm apartment. Police say the case went unsolved for years after DNA collected at the time produced no match. The case was reopened in 2020, and investigators say a search of public genealogy databases eventually pointed to Jared as a possible suspect. Police say a follow up DNA test then confirmed the match. He turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail last week. A charge is an allegation, and Jared has not been convicted.
Tampa Police Assistant Chief Ruben Delgado told FOX 13, “It has taken 14 years for resolution in this case,” adding that the department wanted to bring the victim some closure.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said investigators rely on public genealogy databases where users must opt in to law enforcement matches. The case is also renewing a larger conversation about genetic privacy and how far police should be able to go with consumer DNA data.
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