Convicted rapist Michael Albert will be serving additional time in prison after advancements in DNA technology revealed that he is the man responsible for a 1997 kidnapping and rape cold case in St. Petersburg.

In the early hours of March 16th, 1997, Albert picked up the victim near 5th Ave. and 9th St. N offering to give her a ride. The situation turned violent when he threw her in the back of his van, shackled, choked and raped her. He then took her to the 1800 block of 34th St. S, told her to get out of the van.

In January of this year, one of our cold case detectives submitted the victim's jeans for DNA re-evaluation. The DNA found on her clothing came back as belonging to Mr. Albert. He was already in prison, serving a lifetime sentence for an almost identical crime that happened in Hillsborough County in 2004. We believe he is responsible for other violent sexual attacks in the Tampa Bay Area, but the statute of limitations ran out or there wasn't enough evidence to charge him.

Last Friday he plead guilty to two counts of sexual battery in this case and was sentenced to just over 16 years.

Our cold case detectives dedicate their time and experience to taking a fresh look at old cases that may seemingly look to have gone cold. With new tips, information and advances in technology they can bring suspects to justice for crimes that were committed years ago.

Even though the crime was committed more than 20 years ago, the victim was very relieved to know that the case was resolved, and the man responsible for the violent attack is behind bars with no possibility for parole.