Yesterday we reported that one-third of sexual assault accusations in the criminal setting are unfounded. (The number is even higher in the campus setting.) Such rates of false allegations argue for the importance of unbiased and impartial investigations.

The percentage appears to be even higher in some jurisdictions, like Denver, Colorado. Prosecutor Craig Silverman -- pictured above -- has revealed, 

• For 16 years, I was a kickass prosecutor who made most of my reputation vigorously prosecuting rapists. I am unaware of any Colorado prosecutor who put as many rapists away for as much prison time as I did during my prosecutorial career. Several dozen rapists are serving thousands of years as a result of my efforts.
• However, during my time as a prosecutor who made case filing decisions, I was amazed to see all the false rape allegations that were made to the Denver Police Department. It was remarkable and surprising to me. You would have to see it to believe it.

And here's the money quote:

• Any honest veteran sex assault investigator will tell you that rape is one of the most falsely reported crimes that there is. A command officer in the Denver Police sex assaults unit recently told me he placed the false rape numbers at approximately 45 percent. 

Feel free to pass it along!

Sincerely,

Edward Bartlett