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Proposed Bill Would Remove 20-Year Limit On Prosecuting Rape

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A bill being proposed by two Ohio lawmakers would remove the 20-year statute of limitations for prosecuting rape and sexual battery cases.

Attorney General Mike DeWine's office said he supports the measure, which would allow cases to be filed against defendants 20 years or more after the alleged crime.

But John Murphy of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association tells The Columbus Dispatch that he's not in favor of pursuing rape cases that old unless there is DNA evidence involved.

He said prosecutors are concerned that unless there is DNA evidence, rape cases could come down to verbal allegations based on faulty memory instead of evidence.

State Sen. Capri Cafaro said "the impact of sexual trauma lasts a lifetime and certainly does not fade after only 20 years.