Patrick Kane will not face rape charges

After more than three months of investigation, Patrick Kane will not be prosecuted for allegedly raping a 21 year-old woman in New York last summer.

On Thursday morning, Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III announced in a statement online that no charges will be brought forth against the Chicago Blackhawks star winger. Sedita cited that there are “significant material inconsistencies” in the woman and other witnesses accusations.

In addition to the inconsistencies found, Sedita mentioned several other findings from what he called “an exhaustive investigation over the course of the past three months.” These include:

• The DNA results lend no corroboration whatsoever to the complainant’s claim of penetration, a required element of proof for a rape charge.
• The physical evidence and the forensic evidence, when viewed in tandem, tend to contradict the complainant’s claim that she was raped on Kane’s bed.
• Although Kane has exercised his constitutional right to remain silent (which prohibits questioning by law enforcement), he has made no known incriminating statements to any civilian, nor has he engaged in any conduct consistent with a consciousness of guilt.

Before Sedita’s announcement, the alleged victim announced that she did not wish to go forward with the criminal prosecution.

Kane’s accuser signed what is known as a “Non-Prosecution Affidavit.” According to Sedita, this states “That after fully discussing all the circumstances with my attorney, I have decided I do not wish to criminally prosecute the charges which stem out of this investigation. I do so of my own free will and without any promises or compensation.”

More from Chicago Blackhawks

• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• The Chicago Blackhawks are these two things right now
• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks loss to Wild
• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks loss to Winnipeg Jets
• Chicago Blackhawks News: Connor Bedard named NHL’s Rookie of the Month

However, Sedita’s statement specifically said this did not sway the final decision.

“A complainant’s allegations, standing alone, do not trigger a criminal prosecution; nor does a complainant’s wish to withdraw charges, standing alone, determine whether a criminal case will be terminated,” his statement wrote.

All in all, the Town of Hamburg Police Department and the Office of the Erie County District Attorney concluded that “the totality of the credible evidence — the proof — does not sufficiently substantiate the complainant’s allegation that she was raped by Patrick Kane and this so-called “case” is rife with reasonable doubt.” Furthermore, the case will not be brought forward to an Erie County Grand Jury.

Kane’s agent Pat Brisson stated in an email soon thereafter that “We knew all along that Patrick didn’t do anything wrong. We are pleased with the results from the investigation. It’s finally concluded.”

The Blackhawks released a statement of their own after Sedita’s statement was made public.

“We respect the announcement today by the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney regarding Patrick Kane. The Chicago Blackhawks organization has taken this matter very seriously, and has tried to navigate a very sensitive situation while continually respecting the legal proceedings. At this time we will have no further comment.”

Oct 30, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (88) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to the team, Kane also made a statement.

“I have repeatedly said that I did nothing wrong. I have respected the legal process and I am glad that this matter has now been closed and I will have nothing further to say going forward,” Kane said.

Following the Blackhawks’ and Kane’s, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also issued a statement regarding the situation.

“In light of the statement issued today by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, as an internal League matter, we intend to promptly review the information that may now be available to us. We will have no further comment until we have completed that review,” Daly said.

There is still a chance that the league will punish Kane following their review of the matter. However, this seems unlikely because the league has approved of how the Blackhawks handled the entire situation from its beginning.

The Blackhawks did not practice Thursday following a 6-5 loss the Blues Wednesday night. Their next game is Friday night on the road against the New Jersey Devils.