The Baltimore Sun published an article concerning a Baltimore judge who has ordered the city police to search for DNA evidence from a 1975 rape case or face a fine.

In January, Circuit Judge Wanda K. Heard ordered the Baltimore police department to search storage facilities for any DNA evidence remaining from John Williams Simms' 1977 trial. Judge Heard gave the prosecutor and police 90 days to submit a written report detailing their efforts. To date, no report has been filed.

Assistant State's Attorney Joakim Tan explained that the department did not have sufficient funds to complete an investigation of their off-site storage facilities, but Judge Heard was not satisfied with the explanation. Heard has ordered the police and Tan to appear in court to explain why they have ignored the court’s order.

"I understand the city is tying your hands, but I’m not going to disobey an order," said Judge Heard.

Assistant State’s Attorney Tan and the city police are scheduled to appear in court on February 6, 2009.

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