Kobe Bryant judge to decide by week's end on unsealing documents
From Gary Tuchman
CNN
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Kobe Bryant
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EAGLE, Colorado (CNN) -- A judge said Tuesday he will decide by Thursday or Friday whether to unseal court documents related to the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case.
Eagle County Court Judge Frederick Gannett also said that even if he does decide to unseal the documents, they won't be released right away, so that appeals on the ruling can be heard.
Bryant, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, was charged with one count of sexual assault after a 19-year-old woman told police he assaulted her June 30 at a mountain lodge in Colorado where she worked, and where Bryant was staying.
The NBA star, who is married and has a 7-month-old daughter, has acknowledged he had sex with the woman, but he insists it was consensual and that he did not assault her.
A preliminary hearing for Bryant is scheduled for October 9, at which time the charge will be formally read and prosecutors must persuade Gannett that there is enough evidence to justify a trial of the basketball superstar.
If convicted and sentenced to prison, Bryant could face a sentence of four years to life in prison. If sentenced to a term of probation, he would receive 20 years to life. He could also face a fine of up to $750,000.
