Prosecutors Fire Back on File Release

Eagle County (Colo.) Dist. Atty. Mark Hurlbert filed a blistering response Tuesday to a request by Kobe Bryant’s attorneys to release all records pertaining to the Laker star’s sexual assault case, saying, “the hypocrisy is staggering.”

Hurlbert said the motion filed by defense attorney Pamela Mackey was an attempt to “sway the court of public opinion by misleading the public and obfuscating the truth.” He added that he and Eagle County Sheriff Joe Hoy were the “custodians of the criminal file” and in the absence of a court order would determine which documents and evidence would be released.

Hurlbert denied leaking Bryant’s audiotaped interview with investigators, pointing out that several experts and Lin Wood, an attorney for Bryant’s accuser, also had copies of the tape.

Mackey’s suggestion that prosecutors had withheld evidence that could exonerate Bryant was also contested by Hurlbert.

“Any exculpatory evidence that came into our possession, and there was very little, was turned over to the defense,” he said.

Besides Bryant’s attorneys, news organizations have asked that the entire court file be released. Judge Richard Hart has not ruled on the requests.