PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the indictment of Dat Vu for four sex offenses linked to crimes committed between 2000 and 2005 in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona. The victims involved were between the ages of 13 and 17 at the time of the offenses. Vu, born in March 1980, is accused of committing these acts, with allegations in two instances involving threats with a firearm.

Vu faces charges including two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual conduct with a minor, one count of kidnapping, one count of attempt to commit sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of sexual abuse. These charges include classifications of Class Two and Class Three felonies, with some being considered dangerous crimes against children.

The recent arrest and indictment were made possible through the use of DNA testing, which was funded by grants from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). This initiative aims to process sexual assault kits to aid in solving cold cases. From 2016 to 2021, MCAO was granted $6.3 million, and an additional $2.5 million was awarded in December to continue this work, provide training, and support investigations.

Rachel Mitchell emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, "SAKI grants help us take a crucial step toward closure by providing the resources necessary to process sexual assault kits. It’s not only about solving these cases but restoring hope and giving victims the long-overdue justice they deserve."

A criminal charge is an accusation, and Dat Vu is presumed innocent until proven guilty.