Vinita Family Wants Answers About Daughter's Sexual Assault Case

A Vinita family wants answers about their daughter’s sexual assault case that happened more than a year ago.

The girl’s parents say the sexual assault has been at the police department without being sent to the lab and they can’t get any answers from the Chief.

Babcock stated in an email, “It is the policy of the Vinita Police Dept. not to make a public comment regarding ongoing criminal investigations which might compose adversely affect a future criminal prosecution. Thank you I have no further comment.”

Sherry Young said for 377 days her daughter's sexual assault kit sat in the evidence room at the Vinita Police Department. She tells me they're tired of the wait and the worry and excuses. Young said she needs answers, and she needs them now.

Young's daughter said she was raped last fall by someone she knew. She said her daughter reported it, had the sexual assault exam, did everything she could, but then, they got no updates. Sherry finally got so desperate, she went before Vinita City Council this week, begging for answers.

"She said I can see why people don't report this. I can see why people are silent, because of my situation. That's disturbing to her,” said Young.

The Young family spent more than a year calling, emailing, and showing up at the Police Department.

On November 4th, Young said a detective told her the sexual assault kit and other evidence had never been sent to OSBI.

“She still struggles. It's a tough road for any victim that has to go back to the beginning again,” said Young.

Young said they were never informed of the kit's tracking number as required by a new state law.

"For somebody to say they're sorry it happened, that's not accountability. For them to say it was a mistake on their part, that's not accountability,” said Young.

Vinita Mayor Chuck Hoskin said he's "completely and totally appalled" and said, "the Youngs have his total and complete support." He's asked the city attorney to review the entire process.

News On 6 called the Vinita Police Department and emailed Vinita Police Chief Joey Babcock.

The US Attorney's office said they cannot comment on this case, but Young told us she was contacted by their office late today.

“The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s office were advised of this case today,” Cherokee Nation Marshal Shannon Buhl said. “We have now assigned an investigator to go to Vinita, and facilitate with state and federal partners.”

The Cherokee Nation also said, “It is also our understanding the suspect to be non-Indian, and that Vinita has now referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who has jurisdiction.”

Young said the sexual assault kit was sent to and received by the OSBI Forensic Lab on Monday.