The rape case against French banker Dominique Strauss-Kahn unraveled today as new information reportedly cast doubts on the hotel maid’s credibility. INSIDE EDITION has the latest.
There has been a stunning turn of events in the case involving the former head of the International Monetary Fund.
After reports that the case against accused Frenchman, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was falling apart, prosecutors themselves came to court on Friday and conceded that their evidence was not as strong as they had originally thought.
Prosecutors are now saying the hotel chambermaid who is accusing Strauss-Kahn of raping her is not a reliable witness.
One law enforcement source reportedly says the 32-year-old woman "continuously lied to us."
At a press conference District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., said, "After the indictment against the defendant was filed, we continued as an office to investigate the case rigorously. That investigation raised concerns about the complaining witness's credibility."
Among the concerns about Strauss-Kahn's accuser:
- The maid was recorded having a phone conversation with a drug dealer in jail in which she said she expected financial benefits from pursuing the charges.
- The drug dealer and his henchmen reportedly deposited $100,000 into her bank account over a two-year period.
Prosecutors also say the woman continued her cleaning duties after the supposed rape.
The new developments are front-page news in the New York papers Friday.
A judge ruled that Strauss-Kahn would no longer be subject to house arrest, which he had been serving at a $50,000-a-month townhouse in Manhattan.
After the ruling, Strauss-Kahn smiled, spoke to his lawyer, and then joined his American-born wife in the courtroom.
Although the charges have not actually been dropped, Strauss-Kahn left the courthouse with a broad smile on his face.
But the maid's lawyer, Ken Thompson, still insists she was sexually assaulted.
"The only defense that Dominique Strauss-Kahn has is that this sexual encounter was consensual. That is a lie," said Thompson.
He mounted a spirited defense of the woman who is an immigrant from Africa.
Thomspon said, "When I spoke to her this morning, she was absolutely distraught. She said that her life was over."
