State Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) and Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ efforts to ensure that all DNA samples of convicted inmates are collected before an inmate’s transfer from the Diagnostic Classification Center.

“I’m glad that the department has taken the necessary steps to improve its policy of obtaining an inmate’s DNA,” Vereb said.  “Ensuring that DNA samples are taken upon incarceration will help to prevent inmates being released on parole before their DNA sample is entered into the database.  This goes to show the positive changes that can occur when different branches and levels of government work together.”

“We are lucky that the situation that brought this to our attention did not have more serious consequences,” Ferman said.  “I’m pleased that the Department of Corrections realized the serious ramifications of a delay in obtaining DNA samples.  Expediting the DNA sample process will help current ongoing investigations where a DNA match could be the last piece of evidence needed in order to bring a conviction.  This is about keeping our communities safe and making sure justice is served.”

In early January, Vereb and Ferman sent separate letters to the Department of Corrections questioning the department’s policy of obtaining DNA samples.  The letters were sent after a delay in obtaining the DNA of Joseph Eli Moss, who was sent to state prison in June 2008, led to his being released on parole before his DNA sample was entered into the database.  Recently, his DNA came up as a match with a sample taken from evidence in a 2007 Pottstown murder.  Moss, who was released on parole in June 2009 but landed back in prison two months later due to parole violations, has since been charged with that murder.

A 2005 state law mandates a DNA sample be taken from convicted felons.  The statutory language says that this sample should be taken upon incarceration after conviction. 

In a letter to Vereb and Ferman, Department of Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard acknowledged that there was a lack of compliance with departmental policy in obtaining Moss’ DNA.  Beard said that the department has since taken steps to ensure that all DNA samples are taken upon the time of reception to the Diagnostic Classification Center.  Furthermore, all samples from inmates already incarcerated for covered offenses must be completed by March 1, 2011.

Vereb and Ferman said they appreciate the department’s quick response to their suggestion to review departmental policy. 

View a copy of Beard’s letter here.

Rep. Mike Vereb

150th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(610) 409-2615

(717) 705-7164

Contact:  Tricia Graham

tgraham@pahousegop.com

(717) 260-6296

Member Site:  RepVereb.com

Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com