FOND DU LAC, WI – Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney issued a strong response today to Attorney General Josh Kaul’s newly-released 2024 crime lab report, calling it further proof that Josh Kaul has failed to deliver on his central promise to improve forensic testing and support victims.
“Forensic testing was one of Josh Kaul’s key priorities and in seven years he has proven incapable of improving the crime labs. Kaul has taken the labs backwards by taking longer to test many categories, including DNA, despite testing significantly less items than his predecessor and receiving more staffing resources. This is the most significant broken promise of his tenure as Attorney General. Wisconsin deserves new leadership that will help victims receive the justice they deserve by putting public safety over politics and supporting the dedicated staff at our crime labs.”
Currently serving in his 13th year as a prosecutor, Toney has witnessed firsthand how rising turnaround times for critical tests create real consequences for victims, law enforcement partners, and families who rely on timely answers and accountability. He also emphasized that the state has invested more resources in the labs without seeing improved performance, which reflects failed leadership at the top rather than issues with the dedicated professionals working inside the agencies.
Further documentation on the growing turnaround times during Kaul’s tenure is available in the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau report.
