Minnesota Man Arrested for 2005 Madison Bike Path Sexual Assault After DNA Leads to Identification

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul and the Madison Police Department today announced that Aidison Yang, age 41 of Eagan, Minnesota, has been arrested and charged with three counts of First Degree Sexual Assault. DNA from the victim’s sexual assault kit led to his identification.

“The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to fighting to get justice for survivors of sexual assault,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thank you to the investigators and prosecutors who are working on this case.”

Madison Police Detective Kelly Dougherty said, “Years may pass, but we never stop caring about victims and their cases. Our team worked hard to make sure the victim in this case felt supported as the investigation gained traction after a new lead. While we cannot change what happened, we hope today’s arrest is another step toward healing.”

The Criminal Complaint alleges Mr. Yang sexually assaulted the victim after threatening her with a knife on a bike path on Madison’s East Side in 2005. A sexual assault nurse examination was conducted after the sexual assault. The defendant’s identity was established through DNA from the victim’s sexual assault kit.

The defendant was arrested today in Minnesota. He will be extradited to Wisconsin where he will make his initial appearance in Dane County Circuit Court.

This investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Madison Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Carver County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted through a partnership between DOJ and the Dane County District Attorney’s Office. The criminal complaint is available on request.

As in any criminal proceeding, Mr. Yang is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Find this press release here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.