IMF chief held without bail after being accused of attempted rape
New York (CNN) - Agreeing with prosecutors' assertions that he is a flight risk, a judge Monday denied bail to International Monetary Fund head Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who police say chased a hotel employee down the hall of his New York suite and sexually assaulted her.
"The fact that he was about to board a flight, that raises some concerns," said Criminal Court Judge Melissa Jackson.
Strauss-Kahn will be held on Rikers Island, New York's primary prison complex on the East River, said a New York Department of Corrections spokesman, who declined to be named. The IMF head is next set to appear in court Friday.
He'll be at Rikers Island along with thousands of men and women who are being held or have been convicted for a host of violent and other crimes committed in the city. The spokesman said Strauss-Kahn will be in protective custody, staying in a cell by himself and having no contact with other inmates - steps taken because he's considered a high-profile detainee.
Prosecutors argued against bail for Strauss-Kahn on Monday, saying they believe Strauss-Kahn has engaged in "similar acts" at least once and there is little to prevent him from returning to France and living "open and notoriously."
Defense attorneys noted Strauss-Kahn's lack of a criminal record and said he would be prepared to stay with his daughter in New York if released on bail. They suggested bail of $1 million.
But Jackson told Strauss-Kahn defense attorney Benjamin Brafman, "The same rules apply to your defendant as all defendants, and I am a fair judge."
After the arraignment, Brafman told reporters, "This battle has just begun. ... We think this case is very defensible."
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Post by: CNN Wire Staff Filed under: 360° Radar |
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Shocking that this man would throw away his career and reputation to become a rapist??? After listening to the news reports though, the victim was given a good reference by her employer, she sounds like a stable hard working person who has no reason to lie, I'm inclined to believe her.
IMF chief scandal reeks of a set-up. The old man forces her to perform oral sex? At knifepoint at gunpoint? What? I'm not buying.
She seduces the "great seducer" and cries rape.
Follow the money Ben.
I am surprised that a diplomat isn't getting away with a serious crime. And even more surprised that he isn't getting bail.
The hotel housekeeper was really brave and courageous pressing charges. I hope the media will leave her alone. She doesn't need to be attacked again. Especially, by the vicious media needing to 'get a story' that should be wholly focused on Dominique Strauss-Kahn and how United States lets diplomats get away with more horrific crimes here.