WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is allowing police in Maryland to resume collecting DNA samples from people arrested for serious crimes.
Roberts on Wednesday issued an order that temporarily blocked a Maryland court ruling that effectively barred the collection of genetic material from criminal suspects without a warrant. The order was issued at the state's request in the case of Alonzo King Jr.
King was convicted of a 2003 rape based on DNA evidence taken after his arrest on assault charges in 2009.
The sample matched DNA collected from the victim in the 2003 attack.
Roberts said his order will remain in effect at least until King responds to the state's arguments. Roberts set a July 25 deadline for the response.
