TERRE HAUTE —
When an offender says “It’s not mine” or “I didn’t touch it” regarding illegal drugs, weapons or other contraband found at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, a new investigative tool can reveal the truth.
A Touch DNA forensics kit will allow investigators to rub a specially treated swab on an object to determine everyone who has come in contact with the object. And through a new pilot program in the DOC, the results of the DNA swab will be known in 60 days.
“If we have a suspect object, such as a packet of narcotics, we can swab it and everyone who has touched it will have their DNA register,” explained Robbie Marshall, security threat group coordinator in internal affairs, during a community advisory board meeting Thursday at WVCF.
Since all convicted felons in Indiana are required to submit their DNA sample into a nationwide database, the DNA test will show any inmates in the facility who have come in contact with the item. And if an unknown DNA profile also shows up on the item, investigators will know to look at visitors or staff as possible sources for the object.
“We are concerned about visitors bringing contraband in to the population,” Marshall said, “and we definitely want to stop those visitors from coming in, as well as any staff who might be bringing in narcotics or contraband.”
The objective of the Touch DNA program is to aid in the prosecution of criminal charges, he said, which is helped by the fact that DNA will stay on an object for up to two years, and a sample as small as a grain of salt can be tested for DNA.
In the case that an object tests positive for DNA that is not already in the database, investigators must have enough evidence to suggest who might have touched it, and then go to a county prosecutor to get a warrant for that suspect’s DNA.
“Before we test an object, we have an idea of who has handled it,” Marshall explained.
The project is fairly new at WVCF. In the first two months of the six-month program, three of the 10 swab kits have been used to collect DNA, and those three kits have been sent off to the forensic ID lab in Indianapolis to be processed.
Since it costs the DOC $500 for each kit submitted for testing, investigators are selective in what they send off to the lab. For instance, if a cell phone possibly intended as contraband is found lying in the prison’s public parking lot, that item is not considered for testing. But if a weapon used in a stabbing is found at the scene of the incident, a trained investigator can collect that weapon and do the testing right away. This Touch DNA test is not for fluids such as blood or saliva.
Correctional officer Frank Littlejohn said having trained staff on site to do the DNA testing streamlines the investigation of incidents inside the prison.
“If we have a weapon used for a stabbing, then we can find out not only who had it last, but maybe also who made it and who handled it,” Littlejohn said.
The tests have 100 percent accuracy, Marshall said.
Littlejohn said contraband cell phones and narcotics are both big problems inside DOC now. It is hoped that if offenders and visitors know that this testing can be done, people might be less likely to attempt trafficking with inmates, and the prisoners will be less likely to pick up suspect objects.
The speed of the results is a huge benefit to investigators, Marshall said.
“A 60-day turnaround is pretty quick,” he said.
In the past, submitting such DNA tests to the State Police Laboratory could mean up to a one-year wait for test results, because of the backlog of items to be tested at the lab.
Marshall said other law enforcement agencies in the state are using the Touch DNA testing already, and their success led the DOC to try this program on a six-month trial basis at five facilities around the state.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
News
Touch DNA forensics kits streamlining prison investigations
- News
-
-
Magnolia gives in on rezoning
A potential $20-million investment in Terre Haute’s east side has been blocked by public opposition.
-
Expert sees ‘slow slog’ ahead for economy
While optimism flickers, the Wabash Valley and Indiana economy may see a “slow slog” this year amid a flat housing market, unemployment and political unrest.
-
Komen move won’t affect Indiana Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood of Indiana will not be affected by Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to halt grant funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide.
-
Council discusses ideas for memorial ways
The Terre Haute City Council Thursday night discussed possible new rules for designating “memorial ways” in the community.
-
Madonna prepares our halftime feast
Suddenly, she arrived, with her famous bleached blond hair, the almond-shaped eyes, the ruby-red lips.
-
An advocate for the truth
The truth of the matter is, lying has consequences.
Pulitzer Prize winning author and New York Times columnist James B. Stewart offered an honest look at the trend of dishonesty inside Tilson Auditorium Thursday. His new book, “Tangled Webs: How False Statements are Undermining America: From Martha Stewart to Bernie Madoff” was featured as part of Indiana State University’s speaker series.
-
Super Bowl officials arrest "web pirate"
NFL Super Bowl officials were hoping to score some major media attention with the arrest of a “web pirate” accused of illegally streaming sporting events over the Internet.
-
Indy Super Bowl has cold-crisis master plan
Eager to avoid the winter-weather disaster that hit last year’s Super Bowl, this year’s host city has developed a cold-crisis master plan.
-
Steve Weatherford’s gifts keep on coming to hometown
The first time Steve Weatherford rolled through the New York Giants locker room with a laundry cart, collecting castoff tennis shoes and cleats, he made sure to tell teammates he wasn’t selling their stuff on eBay.
-
Shooting, chase leads to 23-year sentence
A Brazil man received a 23-year prison sentence for a 2010 incident in which he shot at Terre Haute Police during a car chase on the city’s east side.
-
State police release stats on K-9 work
More than $3 million in cash along with thousands of pounds of illegal drugs were removed from criminal enterprises in 2011 through the Indiana State Police K-9 program.
-
Linton-based Guard unit prepares for deployment
An Indiana National Guard unit from the southern part of the state that was deployed twice to Iraq since 2003 is now preparing to be deployed to Afghanistan.
-
Pa. groundhog ’predicts’ six more weeks of winter
Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair to “see” his shadow today, in the process predicting six more weeks of winter.
But, at this rate, that might not be so bad. -
Greene County General Hospital announces expansion, renovations
Construction is expected to start in early spring on a new $6.5 million expansion-renovation of the Greene County General Hospital.
-
Renovations finished, airport prepared for Super Bowl traffic
The Super Bowl may be a few days off, but the “touchdowns” have already started at Terre Haute International Airport — Hulman Field.
-
MARK BENNETT: Super Bowl luck? His is mostly bad
I’ve learned to take a Seinfeld approach to Super Bowls.
In a flash of clairvoyance, Jerry excitedly reminded buddy George Costanza that “if every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.” -
Ohio Blvd. rezoning draws opposition
Opponents of a planned senior-living complex on Ohio Boulevard near Deming Park showed up in force at Wednesday night’s Vigo County Area Plan Commission meeting.
-
Child molestation charges filed against Terre Haute man
Two counts of class-A felony child molestation have been filed against a Terre Haute man arrested last week on child pornography charges after police received a tip that he was offering a child for sex via instant messaging.
-
CASA kids among many receiving funds from trust
Because of the generosity of four long-ago leaders in Terre Haute, some at-risk children today can participate in extra-curricular activities that they couldn’t otherwise afford.
-
Speaker tries to educate others about Islam
A 36-year-old orthodox Muslim, Zohra Sarwari frequently confronts misconceptions and stereotypes — even prejudice — when she is in public.
-
Law firm offering rides home
The Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin law firm plans to sponsor free taxi rides home from bars and restaurants to those who who have too much to drink on Super Bowl Sunday.
-
City woman facing arson charge
A Terre Haute woman faces a charge of arson related to a Jan. 10 apartment building fire in the 600 block of South Center Street.
-
VIDEO: Steve Weatherford homecoming
The only three New York Giants players who touched the football on a field goal that propelled their team into Sunday’s Super Bowl against the New England Patriots visited Terre Haute North Vigo High School Tuesday — where a throng of Patriots cheered for the Giants.
-
South student serving as Super Bowl ambassador
For more than five hours on Monday, Molly Nasser tied ribbons on gift baskets intended for hospitalized children across the country, part of an unprecedented service project undertaken by a Super Bowl host city.
-
SLIDESHOW: Indy has built rep from ground up
Leaders of Indiana’s capital city spent decades gussying up their downtown by building big sports and convention venues and luring upscale hotels, popular restaurants and a four-story shopping mall to locate here.
-
Vigo County trial date changed
The trial date has changed for a defendant in the April 2011 death of a Terre Haute man.
-
Vigo Commissioners strive to cut expenses
In an effort to remove possible overtime and compensation time issues, the Vigo County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved a “letter of engagement” for a Muncie-based firm to conduct a time analysis study and a self audit/analysis for compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
-
Sports museum helped Indy land big game
During the competition for Super Bowl XLVI, it didn’t exactly hurt Indianapolis to be able to throw the National Art Museum of Sports name into the mix.
-
House of Hope back in business
Less than a year after being closed by state officials, a Clay County mission center has re-opened to serve people with histories of drugs, alcohol and emotional problems.
The House of Hope, on U.S. 40 west of Brazil, has been receiving new residents since December. -
Indy’s zippy, but Haute’s hospitable
Brandon Briley did his part to welcome Super Bowl visitors to Terre Haute.
- More News Headlines
-
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
Komen Reverses Planned Parenthood Cuts
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
NY Police Shoot Dead Unarmed Man
Past Complaint About LA Teacher Comes to Light
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
Madonna Nervous About Super Bowl Halftime Show
Foreclosures Down 34 Percent in 2011
Hiring Burst Pushes Jobless Rate Down to 8.3%
Reaction Heated on Planned Parenthood-Komen Rift
Raw Video: Australia Towns Isolated by Floods
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
Cat in Cockpit Causes Four-hour Flight Delay
Raw Video: Fighting Goes on in Homs, Syria
Trump Backs Romney, Despite Gingrich Staff Claim
SB XLVI: Adam Sandler
Bronx Zoo Selling Valentine's Day Roaches
Adam Levine: Shame on Randy Jackson
Tim Tebow Addresses His Fans and Faith
Gossip Girl's Steamy Spread
AG Holder defends actions in heated hearing
First Look: Kim Kardashian on 'Last Man Standing'
Panetta said to expect Israel attack on Iran in spring
Madonna channels Victor Cruz
Christina Hendricks Stuns in Sexy Dress
Raw Video: Snow Causes 20-Car Pileup in Italy
College Football Prospect Chooses Team Based on Chick-Fil-A
EXCLUSIVE: Katy Perry's Sims 3 Commercial BTS
Ads get social at Super Bowl
Man Adopts 42-Year-Old Girlfriend
Kim Kardashian Looking to Start Bible Study Group
Raw Video: Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow
