Vail Daily reports that Kobe WILL be charged - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

WayOutWest · 07-18-2003, 12:17 PM

Heard a former DA of that court state the same thing. The former DA was hired by one of the media outlest to snoop around. The guy used to work in that court and knows alot of the people involved personally. He's heard from various sources that they are confident about their findings and that Kobe will be charged on Friday.

Here's the story:

July 17, 2003

Charges on tap against Bryant today

Randy Wyrick

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will likely be charged today in connection with sexual assault allegations, the Vail Daily has learned.

District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said in a written statement he will announce his charging decision at 3 p.m. today during a press conference at the Eagle County Justice Center.

No specific information was available at press time as to what those charges will be.

Felony sexual assault, the count on which Bryant was arrested July 4, carries penalties that include stiff prison sentences. Class 3 felony sexual assault carries penalties of 10 to 32 years in prison. The more serious Class 2 felony sexual assault carries with it a prison sentence of 16 to 48 years, according to state law.

Hurlbert said Thursday that he had informed the alleged victim of his decision. The alleged victim's family referred all questions to the District Attorney's Office. In a written statement Thursday, Hurlbert said there would be no other information available or comments until this afternoon's press conference. When reached Thursday night, he reiterated that statement.

Bryant is accused of felony sexual assault, stemming from allegations that when he checked into the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, on June 30, he or someone in his entourage summoned a hotel worker to his room and he sexually assaulted her. The 19-year-old Eagle County woman reported it to around noon the next day, July 1.

Georgetown attorney Rob Wheeler, a former prosecutor with the District Attorney's Office, confirmed Thursday night that he had been retained by the alleged victim's family. He made his first appearance at Thursday's hearing at which the Vail Daily argued for dispatch records to the alleged victim's house.

Bryant, a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, surrendered to authorities July 4 after Eagle County Sheriff Joe Hoy issued a warrant for his arrest.

The five-time All-Star was in Colorado for knee surgery at a Vail clinic. In his only public comments on the case, Bryant told the Los Angeles Times he "would never do something like that."

Bryant's attorney Pamela Mackey has repeatedly asserted that her client is not guilty.

Bryant attended the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday, but he avoided the media in his first public appearance since his arrest. He sat in the audience smiling and laughing with his wife.

Bryant would have to return to Colorado on Aug. 6 to hear the charges against him.

Details of the case have been sealed under a court order.

Authorities have said both Bryant and his accuser went to hospitals after the alleged attack for tests.

Sheriff's deputies took Bryant to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles west of the resort, early July 2.

Sheriff's investigators didn't reveal his arrest until July 6, two days after he posted $25,000 bond.

KUSA-TV in Denver reported that Mackey was on her way to Los Angeles.

Bryant has been one of the elite players in the NBA since entering the league straight out of high school at the age of 18. He starred when Los Angeles won three consecutive titles from 2000-02 and was the MVP of the 2002 All-Star game.

He met his wife, Vanessa Laine, in April 2001 and the two were engaged while she was still in high school. Their first child, Natalia Diamante Bryant, was born in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

madape · 07-18-2003, 12:35 PM

Fry the rapist.

superheadcat · 07-18-2003, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
Fry the rapist.

wow, calm down, buddy.

madape · 07-18-2003, 12:49 PM

What? You don't like the word rape? Well that's what this scoundel did to this poor woman.

He f*cked her. He f*cked her without her consent. They had to take a rape kit to scrap the semen off of her. She left his hotel room in a panic. This isn't a Deseree Washington pat on this ass. This is full insertion. Ejaculation... RAPE.

And to think this asshole showed up at the espys with his loving wife, smiling broadly for the camera ... less than two weeks after he brutally raped an innocent young woman! It's downright disgusting.

The only thing under contention is whether the woman consented to taking what Kobe had to give her. She says it was rape, and it will be hard to prove otherwise. There is a very strong chance that Kobe is going to get a very long prison term over this and let's hope he does. He's a sick, twisted, sadistic, criminal. We need to lock him up and throw away the key. There is no rehabilitating a rapist, molestor, or any sexual deviant. A rapist is what Kobe is. It's what he'll always be. I'm sure there are dozens of big smelly guys in prison that would love to let Kobe feel what rape is like... from the other end.

Rod1975 · 07-18-2003, 12:58 PM

Lock him up and throw away the key, I'm tired of looking at his smug mug.

MavsFanFinley · 07-18-2003, 01:01 PM

I fear like most celebrities, Kobe will get off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

His lawyer is holding a press conference at 6 pm at Staples center acording to Laker fans on the espn board.

WayOutWest · 07-18-2003, 01:05 PM

madape,

Those are some of the stupidiest posts I've ever read on this BBS.

Nothing has been proven yet, just speculation and heresay from various sources.

Rape has yet to be mentioned in this incident not to mention a rape SPECIALIST that has trained the nurses involved in the case has stated for the record that rape is nearly impossible to determine from physical evidence such as semen, blood, hair and saliva and that type of case comes down to he said she said. When briuses, cuts, scratches etc... accompany the fore mentioned physical evidence then it's more of a clear cut case.

Intercourse has NOT been established.
Intercourse with Kobe has NOT been established.
Non-concentual intercourse has NOT been established.
Non-concentual intercourse with Kobe has NOT been established.

The news reported is far from a rape conviction and to proclaim it as fact and make judgements on the parties involved is stupid IMO.

LakerMania · 07-18-2003, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
What? You don't like the word rape? Well that's what this scoundel did to this poor woman.

He f*cked her. He f*cked her without her consent. They had to take a rape kit to scrap the semen off of her. She left his hotel room in a panic. This isn't a Deseree Washington pat on this ass. This is full insertion. Ejaculation... RAPE.

Link please.

WayOutWest · 07-18-2003, 01:23 PM

People like madape don't seem to be interested in facts.

Here's an example:

www.vaildaily.com/apps/pb.../307140101

July 14, 2003

"Abundance' of evidence exists, source insists

Randy Wyrick

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was in the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera less than an hour when he allegedly sexually assaulted a 19-year-old hotel worker, a source close to the case said Monday.

There was no disturbance reported by other guests, security was not called, and the young woman was not in "hysterics" as widely reported, though she was visibly upset, this source said. The source said the woman knows she's in for a rough ride if charges are filed, but has the character to handle the hardships to come.

And while District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said Monday that the physical evidence and its analysis had not yet returned from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the source said "an abundance" of physical evidence exists - although they declined to elaborate. Hurlbert has declined to comment on any part of the investigation.

Bryant and his attorneys have repeatedly claimed his innocence and said an "unbiased" investigation would exonerate him.

The timetable

Bryant and three bodyguards checked into the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera between 10:10 and 10:40 p.m. June 30, the source said. That fits with employees at the Lodge at Vail, who said Bryant's group stopped at their hotel in Vail Village between 9 and 9:30 that night.

The source said the shift of Lodge at Cordillera workers on duty at that time clocked out at 11:10 p.m. They also said the alleged victim was home by 11:50 p.m. June 30.

According to witness accounts and published reports, Bryant or one of his bodyguards summoned the woman to the room. Accounts vary widely, and wildly, as to why.

About 20 minutes later the woman returned to the lobby from the room, visibly upset - not two hours later, as some reports have indicated, this source insisted.

"The woman was not hysterical, but she was in shock and disbelief that this could have happened to her," the source said. "She eventually fell into something of a stupor as the reality of the situation set in."

There was no word on when authorities were notified, or when the alleged victim was tested for sexual assault evidence. Bryant was tested the next night, after knee surgery that day, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs.

"Every test that could be done was worth it," the source said, again declining to elaborate.

The source also said that reports of disturbances by Bryant and his entourage are false. No guests on that floor complained, because there were no other guests on that floor that night, they said. Security was not called, they said.

Bryant was scheduled to have knee surgery July 1 at Vail's Steadman Hawkins Clinic. The source said that although the appointment was "not early," but Bryant was still late for it. The exact time of his appointment was not available, and Steadman Hawkins declined to provide it.

Eagle County Sheriff Joe Hoy issued a warrant for Bryant's arrest for felony sexual assault on Friday, July 4. Bryant, who had returned to California, flew back to Eagle County that day, turned himself in at the Eagle County jail and posted $25,000 bond. He was gone in less than hour.

Hurlbert is still determining what charges, if any, to file against Bryant. His decision is expected this week.

signoftimes · 07-18-2003, 01:28 PM

Quick questions for the lawyers out there:

Is this the type of crime, that once charges are filed, the victim is allowed to decide NOT to press charges? I want to know if Kobe will be able to give this girl money to drop the charges, or is it out of her hands and he actually has to go to trial.

thebac · 07-18-2003, 01:33 PM

Seriously, madape, chill.

If evidence turns up that Kobe did indeed sexually assault her (whether he's convicted or not being another story), you can still go on one of your crazy rants that we all enjoy here.

Until then, innocent till proven guilty.

madape · 07-18-2003, 01:58 PM

Kobe went all the way,
her pal sez

By DAN LUZADDER in Eagle, Colo., and DAVE GOLDINER in New York
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

The teenager who accused Kobe Bryant of sexual assault told a friend that the NBA superstar "went the whole way" with her, the friend said yesterday.
Casey Strickler said Bryant's accuser was sparing with details but left little doubt about what happened when she went to Bryant's room June 30 at the exclusive Lodge and Spa at Cordillera near Vail, Colo.

"She said he went the whole way," Strickler said on NBC's "Today" show.

She said she didn't press the 19-year-old college student for details about the incident that has tarnished the pristine image of the Los Angeles Lakers star.

"I didn't want her to have to go into details," Strickler told NBC. "I said, 'I know you're dealing with a lot right now.'"

Another friend said the accuser also told her about the incident.

"She told me the story, and I don't have any doubts," Starlene Bray, who grew up with the teen, told ABC's "Good Morning America."

Bryant, 24, was booked on suspicion of felony sex assault but has not been formally charged.

He has proclaimed his innocence and vowed he will be cleared.

"You know I would never do anything like that," Bryant told the Los Angeles Times on Sunday.

Prosecutors said state investigators have not returned test results, which have included a so-called rape kit from the victim and DNA samples from Bryant. They said they will not make a decision on charging Bryant until tomorrow at the earliest.

TripleDipping · 07-18-2003, 02:12 PM

Hmm... those are some very serious accusations. From assault to rape? I thought the decision to charge Bryant won't be announced until 2pm PST.

LakerMania · 07-18-2003, 02:15 PM

Second hand information by a friend of the victim, who is clearly not biased of course, says that, " She said he went the whole way". Silly me, when the proof is all there like that I don't know how I could have doubted you Madape. This a clear cut case of rape. Someone get a rope. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

OutletPass · 07-18-2003, 02:48 PM

It's in the hands of the DA now...but they need her testimony to show lack of consent...DNA/Semen testing can prove one thing, but lack of consent is needed to make that thing criminal.

signoftimes · 07-18-2003, 02:52 PM

OP- Are they at the point, that if they charge Kobe, they have to go to trial, or can this girl be paid off to drop charges?

Rod1975 · 07-18-2003, 03:06 PM

At this point, even if she wanted to drop charges, the DA probably would still bring up charges.

TripleDipping · 07-18-2003, 03:07 PM

signoftimes: If the DA decides to charge Bryant, it doesn't if the lady wants an out-of-court settlement with Bryant, the DA can bring him to court because DA has the full power to do so.

In other words, it's all up to the DA.

Drbio · 07-18-2003, 03:35 PM

I'm not ready to fry Kobe because the facts have not been presented. Being charged is one thing, being convicted is another. However, I am 100% sure they had sex. The issue will be if it was consentual. Either way, Kobe faces deep shit at home.

Drbio · 07-18-2003, 03:36 PM

forgot one thing.

If he did it....put his ass in a stinky cell with a huge hairy biker that will make him his bitch.

If he did not do it, publicize with equal vigor that he was set up.

Mavs_Rule2003 · 07-18-2003, 04:12 PM

whats class 3 felony?

MavsFanFinley · 07-18-2003, 04:17 PM

It's rape. The DA said it can be from 4 years to life if convicted. Another expert said he'd have to register as a sex offender.

The NBA office will issue a statement in 20 minutes.

Anyone watching sportscenter...they just read a statement from Kobe's wife. I can only remember it reading that she knows her husband has committed adultery, he's not a criminal and they will work through this.

u2sarajevo · 07-18-2003, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Mavs_Rule2003
whats class 3 felony?

According to this website a Class 3 Felony in Colorado has a "Presumptive Minimum" sentence of 4 years and a "Presumptive Maximum" of 12 years. Don't know about probationary periods.

Mavs_Rule2003 · 07-18-2003, 04:20 PM

Now that he is admitting adultry with that girl, can he still walk away with no jail time like Webber?

u2sarajevo · 07-18-2003, 04:22 PM

adultery is sex outside of marriage. not rape.

MavsFanFinley · 07-18-2003, 04:25 PM

Now that he's admitted it, it comes down to he said she said.

The DA said he has a witness (which the expert on espn says could be medical staff) and physical evidence.

TripleDipping · 07-18-2003, 04:32 PM

Physical evidence? Like scars and bruises? Someone can easily brushes that off as rough sex. I think the most effective evidence would have to be witnesses. Even then the witnesses would be placed under scrutiny on whether he or she really knows the truth.

u2sarajevo · 07-18-2003, 04:34 PM

Wonder what Nike is going to do now. McDonalds? isn't he sponsored by Gatorade?

Gatorade, for that extra energy to go the extra mile..... compete with Viagra?

Just kidding, please don't flame me.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

superheadcat · 07-18-2003, 04:34 PM

what a looooooooooong day for laker fans...

and there are many long days ahead for them.

TripleDipping · 07-18-2003, 04:51 PM

Innocent until proven guilty... I guess that's the stance I'm gonna take for now.

Nevertheless, I'm dissapointed with Bryant as a man. You have a beautiful wife who just gave birth to your first child few months ago and you're out scoring p*ssy??? Why, man?

WayOutWest · 07-18-2003, 05:10 PM

Innocent until proven guilty of rape, I agree.

Innocent until proven guilty of NOT being one of the few "good guys" in the NBA, case closed!

OutletPass · 07-18-2003, 06:10 PM

correct approach, wow.

Chiwas · 07-18-2003, 06:50 PM

Quote:

She says it was rape.

For me this counts much. She is 19, and isn't precisely a prostitute. She is almost a minor, hardly to be wicked in a matter of hours or to plan it. If now it's a matter of confronting them, I believe her more. Besides, he admitted adultery, not a very moral act, which makes him more prone to make the rape.

WayOutWest · 07-18-2003, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

She says it was rape.

For me this counts much. She is 19, and isn't precisely a prostitute. She is almost a minor, hardly to be wicked in a matter of hours or to plan it. If now it's a matter of confronting them, I believe her more. Besides, he admitted adultery, not a very moral act, which makes him more prone to make the rape.

I don't think I'll even bother dealing with the cluelessness of that logic.

LakerMania · 07-19-2003, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

She says it was rape.

For me this counts much. She is 19, and isn't precisely a prostitute. She is almost a minor, hardly to be wicked in a matter of hours or to plan it. If now it's a matter of confronting them, I believe her more. Besides, he admitted adultery, not a very moral act, which makes him more prone to make the rape.

I don't exactly what kind of person this chick is. She could be a saint for all I know. But I used to live 7 miles from Eagle where she is from and I can tell you a lot of the teenage girls in this area are pretty freakin far from innocent. Alcohol/drugs, 4 wheeling, and sex is the is what high school is all about for a lot of the teenagers here( and that could apply to me as well [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]) , as most of the trailer trash don't have the money to hit the slopes in Vail. In fact nearby Grand Junction has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the nation.

So 19 around this part of the world don't exactly mean much in the part of being an "innocent" young girl.

Chiwas · 07-19-2003, 02:08 PM

Quote:

So 19 around this part of the world don't exactly mean much in the part of being an "innocent" young girl.

Maybe you're right here. However, we really don't know Kobe either.

Quote:

She says it was rape

and

Quote:

Innocent until proven guilty...

In the same sense, she is telling the truth until proven different.

The point is, there are two parts of the (sad) story, not only the NBA star's part.

Drbio · 07-19-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: WayOutWest
Innocent until proven guilty of rape, I agree.

Innocent until proven guilty of NOT being one of the few "good guys" in the NBA, case closed!

Yep. Let the facts come out in the trial, but the good guy is gone forever.

Murphy3 · 07-20-2003, 12:39 AM

one thing..it might not necessarily be just "he said she said"..there are accounts of people hearing alot of commotion coming out of the room that night.. no telling what exactly was heard

MavKikiNYC · 07-20-2003, 09:01 AM

There are also reports that those reports never occurred, Murphy.

There will be a disinformation campaign worthy of Bagdad Bob to come. In fact, I heard a rumor that Kobe's defense team has investigated retaining him as a spokesman.

reeds · 07-20-2003, 08:22 PM

Come on guys- think about it. KOBE could get damn near any woman he wanted. He has women in ever town he is in hangin all over him, all the time. Do you really think the man has to "take it"? Please, please please. The did meet, they DID have sex, probably wild sex too is my guess. She problably asked for it rough, thought she could make a buck or two, and started crying rape. Of course this is all just my OPINION, I could be dead wrong. I just have this "gut" feeling Kobe is a good guy. I know most on this board do not like the man, but I for one feel his is one of the nicest human beings in the nba....its NOT in his character...all the players that know him are saying the same thing im saying, this is not KOBE...