Legal Commentary

Portland Police Re-Open Al Gore Masseuse Investigation

By Jeralyn

The Portland Police Bureau has announced:

The Portland Police Bureau has made the decision to re-open the case regarding the allegations brought forward against Mr. Al Gore. Consistent with our policy regarding open investigations, the Police Bureau will not be commenting on any additional specifics regarding this case at this time.

Earlier today, I predicted no one would want to hear more from the accuser, who has now come forward, identified herself and said she's willing to file a police report.

No reason has been given for the Portland police department's decision. It could just mean they will hear her out, and then make the same decision: No probable cause a crime was committed by Gore. Or, maybe they will let her make a statement and then charge her with false reporting. Or, maybe they will decide there is a prosecutable case. Seems doubtful to me. [More...]

Gore's spokesperson released this statement:

"Further investigation into this matter will only benefit Mr. Gore,'' said Kalee Kreider, the Gore family spokeswoman. "The Gores cannot comment on every defamatory, misleading, and inaccurate story generated by tabloids. Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago. He stands by that denial.''

The Oregonian is finally publishing her name, acknowledging she has outed herself.

So, what's next? A DNA test for Al Gore? Wouldn't one expect DNA to get onto a piece of clothing when you're having a massage? How does it prove an unwanted sexual advance? Maybe Al will say she came on to him, he politely rejected her, and he thought all was fine when she left. I don't think the DNA changes the "he said"/"she said" nature of the matter.

Having listened to the audio of her last interview, and knowing she said she wasn't interested in money but asked the Enquirer for a big chunk of change, I'm on Team Gore on this one.

How ironic that the police, after releasing her one-sided accusation even though she refused to file a offense report, are now going to clam up while they conduct the investigation so we won't hear until the end, probably weeks or month, as to whether they decide her allegations have any basis. All the while, Gore will be slammed in certain media circles. Can they put the toothpaste back in the tube so as not to prejudice Gore? Of course not.

There should be a statute of limitations and a Son of Sam Law for accusers, preventing purported victims from coming forward after four years when they previously refused to press charges, and from profiting off their accusations by selling their story to the media unless and until a court has convicted the accused of a crime.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on July 01, 2010 (boomark / email).