Judge will decide this week whether to release court records

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Judge will decide this week whether to release court records in Kobe Bryant case

August 20, 2003

EAGLE, Colo. (AP) -- A judge said Wednesday he hopes to decide this week whether to unseal do ents in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case that could include statements from his accuser and witnesses.

The do ents have been sealed since Bryant was arrested last month, but media organizations have sought their release. Legal experts say the records could include details from witnesses who saw the Los Angeles Lakers star or his accuser, or heard sounds from Bryant's hotel room.

The material could also outline what evidence has been collected.

ADVERTISEMENTJudge Frederick Gannett said he hopes to make his decision by Friday. He said if he does rule in favor of releasing the do ents, an appeal will almost certainly keep them sealed pending a hearing.

Bryant, 24, is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old employee of the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera on June 30. He has said the sex was consensual.

Bryant, who remains free on a $25,000 bond, is scheduled to return to Eagle for an Oct. 9 preliminary hearing, where Gannett will decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial.


Updated on Wednesday, Aug 20, 2003 3:50 pm
thesource

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