The paper bag that attorney Thomas Eaonnou told reporters once held his client’s rape kit in her case against Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane is a part of “bizarre hoax” by the woman’s mother, a New York county prosecutor said on Friday.
The paper bag was used by hospital staff to store the woman’s personal items, according to Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III during a Friday morning press conference.
“It’s a bizarre hoax. And it’s a dog and pony show,” he told reporters.
The rape kit was never tampered with, according to Sedita. Two New York police departments said earlier in the week the rape kit remained in tact and in law enforcement custody.
“The rape kit was never in any kind of bag. It was properly sealed and submitted. It has never left custody,” Sedita said.
Eaonnou, the woman’s attorney, presented the ripped paper bag to the public that he said was brought to him by his client’s mother and called for an independent investigation. He then suddenly withdrew from the case on Thursday night, saying he no longer could “effectively represent her.”
The woman’s mother is unlikely to face charges, the Erie County prosecutor said.
“If the investigation further reveals that the complainant was somehow involved in this, knew about this — then that could be very relevant. But we haven’t gotten to that point yet. The focus was to see if evidence was tampered with,” Sedita said.
Kane, a three-time winner of the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, was accused of raping a woman at his home outside Buffalo, New York, where he is from, in early August. No charges have been filed, and Kane has been at training camp with the team.
Watch the “hoax” excerpt of the press conference, from the Buffalo News:
I don’t think some people know what the definition of evidence bag is…
I’m not suggesting this is a false allegation, but false rape accusations should be dealt with with extreme prejudice. Every time one is made, not only is the target a victim, every rape victim pays when seeking justice.