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New law eliminates statute of limitations on sexual assault cases

Waterbury (WTNH)_ A new law is eliminating the statute of limitations on sexual assaults that can be prosecuted with the use of DNA evidence. Governor M. Jodi Rell is calling it a "major step forward for crime victims in our state."

"Make no mistake: Sexual assault is violent crime - it is not a crime of passion," Gov. Rell said at a ceremonial bill signing at the Waterbury Police Department headquarters. "It is violence of the most personal and devastating kind, as brutal in its own right as murder. And it deserves not only harsh punishment but our very best - and unswerving - effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. Today Connecticut takes another step in that direction."

Under the change, six of the most serious sexual assault crimes - first-degree sexual assault, aggravated first-degree sexual assault, sexual assault in a spousal or cohabiting relationship, second-degree sexual assault and third-degree sexual assault, with or without a firearm - may be prosecuted at any time, if the alleged perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence and the crime was reported within five years of the attack.

The new law is vindication and justice for activist and rape victim, Donna Palomba.

"It's just encouraging for me to see the law is finally catching up with the science of DNA. So it's very important for future victims," Palomba said.

Palomba was brutally raped in her Waterbury home in 1993. It was 11 years later, when police finally identified the suspect, John Regan of Waterbury, through DNA evidence. By then the five years statute of limitations had run out. Police were able to charge Regan with kidnapping, but not rape. He is currently serving a 15 year prison sentence.

"Emotionally it's very rewarding. Really supporting this bill and taking action has become part of my healing process," Palomba said.

The change is contained within Senate Bill 1500, the "general government implementer" - omnibus legislation enacted to put many provisions of the new state budget into operation.