Bryant Charge Dismissed; He Apologizes
E A G L E, Colo., Sept. 1, 2004 -- A judge dismissed the sexual assault charge against Kobe Bryant today after prosecutors made it clear the alleged victim refused to testify. Bryant maintained his innocence, but apologized to the young woman and her family.
"Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did," Bryant said in a statement read by his attorney, Pamela Mackey. "After months of reviewing discovery, listening to her attorney, and even her testimony in person, I now understand how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter."
Noting that the alleged victim was "unable to go forward," prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case this afternoon. Judge Terry Ruckriegle granted the request.
The charge was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled at a future date. Bryant's statement was issued with the understanding it cannot be used in the civil suit the woman has filed against him.
"I also want to make it clear that I do not question the motives of this young woman," he said. "No money has been paid to this woman."
Jury selection in the criminal case had already gotten under way, and opening statements were expected to begin Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was accused of raping the young woman on June 30, 2003, at an Eagle resort where she worked and he was a guest. He pleaded not guilty to one felony count of sexual assault.
Bryant, 26, has admitted having sex with the woman, who was 19 at the time, but claims it was consensual.
If convicted of felony sexual assault, Bryant could have faced four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine up to $750,000.
‘Justice Was Interrupted’
Eagle Country District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said that while he regrets that "justice was interrupted," the decision was based solely on the alleged victim's personal decision to not testify — not a lack of belief in her or the case.
"We understand why she may have misgivings about her rights being protected," Hurlbert said. "We respect her decision 100 percent."
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