Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Cy Vance Gets Boost From Robert Morgenthau Amid DSK Fallout

By DNAinfo Staff on July 8, 2011 6:15pm

MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr., who's suffered a string of defeats in the courtroom recently, got a boost from his predecessor Thursday.

Legendary former Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, who served as New York County's top prosecutor for 35 years before retiring in 2010, said Vance's office has handled the widely publicized Dominique Strauss-Kahn rape case, which fell apart last week, using "strong ethical standards" that he cherished while in office.

The retired 91-year-old DA, said he is "confident that the District Attorney will make a principled decision whether or not to proceed with the case, based on the facts and the law, and only after he and his staff are satisfied that their investigation is complete."

Vance came under fire from critics for arresting and charging the former IMF chief with attempting to rape a Sofitel Hotel maid with a May 14 alleged attack.

But after indicting 62-year-old Strauss-Kahn, prosecutors revealed that there were "significant" credibility issues with the woman, who they said lied about her background and cheated on her taxes.

The DA's office decided not to dismiss the charges against Strauss-Kahn when he appeared in court on July 1. They did consent to his release without bail restrictions and are still deciding whether to prosecute the case.

Strauss-Kahn is next due back in court on July 18.