IMF Chief Held Without Bail On Sexual Assault Charges

IMF Chief Accused Of Sexual Assault

May 17, 2011 - The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested over the weekend on charges of attempted rape and other criminal charges.  He stands accused of sexual assault of a 35 year-old maid in his New York hotel room.

The Manhattan Criminal Court case alleges Strauss-Kahn "engaged in sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion."  The complaint filed charges 2 counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree, 1 count attempted rape in the first degree,  1 count sexual abuse in the first degree, 1 count unlawful imprisonment in the 2nd degree, 1 count sexual abuse in the 3rd degree and forcible touching.

Although the identity of the alleged victim has not been disclosed, she contends that Strauss-Kahn shut the door to his hotel room, grabbed her and forced himself on her in attempted sexual assault.

Strauss-Kahn was thought to be getting ready to run for the presidency of France, which now looks like a long shot.

Lawyers representing the IMF say Strauss-Kahn is innocent of any wrongdoing and "intends to vigorously defend" himself against the charges of sexual assault.

Strauss-Kahn submitted to a forensic medical exam by authorities in which DNA was gathered.  He remains in custody at Rikers Island and is being held without bail.