Rape Investigation of Patrick Kane Closed: 'Rife with Reasonable Doubt'

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office in New York has officially closed the investigation of allegations Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane raped a 21-year-old woman in his home in Hamburg, N.Y., in August, saying “this so-called ‘case’ is rife with reasonable doubt.”

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Frank A. Sedita III’s office issued the following statement Thursday morning:

The Town of Hamburg Police Department and the Office of the Erie County District Attorney have conducted an exhaustive investigation over the course of the past three months regarding allegations made by a 21-year-old woman that 26-year-old Patrick Kane raped her on his bed. The investigative findings include the following:

• • There are significant material inconsistencies between the complainant’s accounts and those of other witnesses.

• • The DNA results lend no corroboration whatsoever to the complainant’s claim of penetration, a required element of proof for a rape charge.

• • The physical evidence and the forensic evidence, when viewed in tandem, tend to contradict the complainant’s claim that she was raped on Kane’s bed.

• • Although Kane has exercised his constitutional right to remain silent (which prohibits questioning by law enforcement), he has made no known incriminating statements to any civilian, nor has he engaged in any conduct consistent with a consciousness of guilt.

Additionally, the complainant, after consultation with her attorney, has decided that she does not wish to go forward with a criminal prosecution. She has recently signed what is commonly referred to as a “Non-Prosecution Affidavit” that states, in relevant part: “That after fully discussing all the circumstances with my attorney, I have decided I do not wish to criminally prosecute the charges which stem out of this investigation. I do so of my own free will and without any promises or compensation.”

A complainant’s willingness or reluctance to go forward is an important factor in determining whether a criminal prosecution, brought by this office on behalf of the People of the State of New York, will go forward. It is not, however, decisive. In other words, a complainant’s allegations, standing alone, do not trigger a criminal prosecution; nor does a complainant’s wish to withdraw charges, standing alone, determine whether a criminal case will be terminated.

Our prosecution standard is proof-based and has been stated on many occasions: consistent with the discretion afforded to the District Attorney under the law, we prosecute when the credible evidence, likely admissible in court, proves a crime was committed and proves the accused committed it.

The totality of the credible evidence -- the proof -- does not sufficiently substantiate the complainant’s allegation that she was raped by Patrick Kane and this so-called “case” is rife with reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the Office of the Erie County District Attorney will not present this matter to an Erie County Grand Jury.

A confidential correspondence has been sent to the Town Hamburg Police Chief (with copies forwarded to legal counsel for the complainant and Mr. Kane), setting forth in greater detail the investigative findings and the reasons for the decision not to criminally prosecute this matter.

The District Attorney will not be holding a press conference.

Kane never spoke with investigators. The Chicago Tribune reports that the Blackhawks have cancelled Thursday’s scheduled practice.

Kane’s behavior, however, could still have repercussions with the Blackhawks, who have been displeased with his embarrassing episodes fueled by public drinking, including that time he punched a cab driver.

The woman is now represented by attorney Roland M. Cercone, and it’s possible they will file a civil lawsuit against Kane. Cercone has a record of filing such suits. Kane’s attorney, Paul Cambria, has told reporters he believes a civil suit is likely.

“We maintained Patrick’s innocence all along,” Cambria told NBC Chicago. “It’s time to put this in the past.”

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• Attorney for Patrick Kane’s Accuser Drops His Client
• Trading Kane: Will ‘Volcanically Outraged’ Blackhawks Management Send Patrick Kane Away?
• Patrick Kane’s Lawyer vs. the Erie County District Attorney
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• Patrick Kane Dropped from NHL 16 Video Game Cover
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• Patrick Kane’s Saturday with the Stanley Cup
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