Nurse Who Examined Chmura's Accuser Details Exam
W A U K E S H A, Wis., Jan. 29, 2001 -- A nurse who examined the teenageraccusing former Green Bay Packers star Mark Chmura of sexuallyassaulting her at a drunken post-prom party testified today shebelieved the teen.
Debra Donovan, a registered nurse at Sinai Samaritan MedicalCenter in Milwaukee, talked to and examined Chmura's accuser withinhours after the party.
"The findings are consistent with what she reported," Donovansaid she concluded after a 1½-hour examination. "I believe she wassexually assaulted."
Chmura's accuser, who was 17 at the time, told police Chmurapulled her into the bathroom, pulled down her pants and had sexwith her without her consent in a matter of seconds during theApril 9 party at his friend Robert Gessert's Hartland home.
Chmura, 31, has pleaded innocent to third-degree sexual assaultand child enticement, both felonies. He could face up to 40 yearsin prison and $20,000 in fines.
Nurse Said Teen Cried During Exam
Asked by defense attorney Gerald Boyle whether she had everwritten an examination report that did not support a sexualassault, Donovan responded, "No."
Chmura's accuser cried sporadically during the exam, and saidshe was concerned about confidentiality, Donovan testified.
The teenager had no major injuries, which is not uncommon insexual assault cases, Donovan said. The nurse said she found minorabrasions and redness.
Donovan said the teenager told her Chmura had oral sex withher, something Boyle said is not in subsequent police reports.
"I believe there was a miscommunication," Donovan said,referring to her records that show there was oral sex.
An exam showed the teenager's hymen was intact. The hymen isthe thin mucous membrane that closes part or sometimes all of theopening of the vagina.
Boyle attempted to show that the hymen's condition suggestedsexual assault was less likely, but Donovan disagreed.
Donovan said something can penetrate the vagina withoutdisrupting the hymen. Donovan has done about 480 sexual assaultexams over eight years, she said.
Chmura’s Family Shows Support in Court
Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher has said he expectsto finish the state's case by Tuesday. Boyle said he expects hiscase to last until Friday.
Chmura remained impassive throughout Donovan's testimony. Two ofhis brothers, Matthew and Marshall, also were in court today, thefourth day of testimony in the case.
Chmura, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, joined the Packers in1992 out of Boston College. He appeared in two Super Bowls withGreen Bay, but missed most of the 1999 season with a neck injury.The team cut him in June after he was charged.
Another 18-year-old woman at the party has accused Gessert ofpulling her onto his lap and putting his hands in her swimsuitafter she threw up.
Gessert has pleaded innocent to one count of second-degreesexual assault and one count of fourth-degree sexual assault. Histrial is scheduled for March. If convicted he faces up to 30 yearsand nine months in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.