Sexual assault allegation against Trump’s defense secretary nominee

New Details Emerge from Sexual Assault Allegation Against Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth

A police report has revealed allegations against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense. According to the report, a California woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in a hotel room in 2017, despite her repeatedly saying “no.” The report, obtained by CNN, also states that Hegseth physically blocked the woman from leaving the room and confiscated her phone.

The detailed 22-page document, released by Monterey’s city attorney’s office, outlines conflicting accounts of the incident, including differences in the perceived level of intoxication of both Hegseth and the woman. Surveillance footage capturing parts of their interactions that night is described but has not been made publicly available.

Hegseth Denies Allegations

Hegseth has denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual and that he ensured the woman was “comfortable” throughout. However, the case has raised questions about his nomination and is expected to play a significant role in his upcoming confirmation hearings.

Although Hegseth was not charged, his attorney confirmed that a settlement was reached with the accuser. The agreement reportedly included a monetary payment and a confidentiality clause. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, suggested the settlement was motivated by concerns that a public allegation during the #MeToo movement might harm Hegseth’s career.

“This police report confirms what I’ve said all along: the incident was thoroughly investigated, and no charges were filed,” Parlatore stated. However, the report does not explicitly conclude that the allegations were false.

Incident Timeline and Police Findings

The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of October 8, 2017, following Hegseth’s speech at a California Federation of Republican Women convention at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. According to the police report, Hegseth and the woman, identified as “Jane Doe,” attended an afterparty in a hotel suite before heading to the hotel bar, Knuckles, with a group of attendees.

Witnesses interviewed by police provided varying accounts of the events. One attendee claimed Hegseth invited her to his room, but she declined and asked Doe to stay nearby as a “crotch blocker.” This witness also said Doe didn’t appear intoxicated when she last saw her. Another attendee described Doe and another woman as “flirting” with Hegseth at the bar and stated that Doe seemed coherent and in control of her actions.

Confidential Records and Public Reactions

The police report includes summaries of interviews, descriptions of video footage, and statements from conference attendees and hotel staff. However, key records, such as video evidence and a memorandum from the Monterey County District Attorney’s office explaining why charges were not filed, remain unavailable due to legal restrictions.

A friend of Doe had previously submitted a memo to Trump’s transition team, which reportedly caused concern among Trump’s advisors. The memo mirrored parts of the police report, raising further questions about the incident and its implications for Hegseth’s nomination.

Doe has declined to comment publicly on the case, breaking into tears when approached by CNN reporters.

Potential Impact on Hegseth’s Nomination

Seven years after the alleged incident, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over Pete Hegseth’s nomination as secretary of defense. While Hegseth maintains his innocence, the allegations and subsequent settlement agreement could prove pivotal as the Senate evaluates his suitability for the role.