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Security guard: Alleged lax victim sought money
By: Adam Eaglin
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: News
Last update: 11/7/06 at 9:33 PM EST
Last update: 11/7/06 at 9:33 PM EST
Further details about the alleged victim in the Duke lacrosse rape case have emerged during the past week.
H. P. Thomas, a former security manager at The Platinum Club, a Hillsborough strip club, told the Raleigh News and Observer Nov. 4 that the alleged victim said she was going to get money from boys at a Duke party that didn't pay her.
He told the N&O that the conversation took place four days after the March 13 party at which the rape allegedly occurred.
"She basically said, 'I'm going to get paid by the white boys,'" Thomas said in his interview with the N&O. "I said, 'Whatever,' because no one takes her seriously."
Wearing a hospital bracelet, the alleged victim discussed money but did not mention being hurt or injured during the March 17 conversation, he said.
"The other girls would have known if something had happened," Thomas said. "If another dancer had been beat up or raped by a bunch of white boys, there would have been a ruckus."
Thomas said he declined to come forward with the information earlier upon the advice of his lawyers. He added that he had little to gain by releasing the information because of a pending cocaine possession charge.
Last month, a video surfaced showing the alleged victim dancing at the club early March 26, less than two weeks after the alleged rape occurred.
"She was as regular as pie," Thomas told the N&O. "She didn't do anything different."
Victor Olatoye, the Platinum's owner, told the N&O that club records reveal that the alleged victim danced March 23, 24, 25 and into the early hours of March 26-when the video was recorded.
Olatoye added that all the information was given in a sworn statement to an investigator in Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong's office last month. Olatoye said he has not seen the woman since March.
It remains unclear whether defense lawyers had access to the information prior to Thomas' Friday interview and if it will affect the case.
Kirk Osborn, attorney for defendant Reade Seligmann, declined to comment.
Wade Smith, attorney for Collin Finnerty, and Joe Cheshire, attorney for David Evans, Trinity '06, could not be reached for comment.
H. P. Thomas, a former security manager at The Platinum Club, a Hillsborough strip club, told the Raleigh News and Observer Nov. 4 that the alleged victim said she was going to get money from boys at a Duke party that didn't pay her.
He told the N&O that the conversation took place four days after the March 13 party at which the rape allegedly occurred.
"She basically said, 'I'm going to get paid by the white boys,'" Thomas said in his interview with the N&O. "I said, 'Whatever,' because no one takes her seriously."
Wearing a hospital bracelet, the alleged victim discussed money but did not mention being hurt or injured during the March 17 conversation, he said.
"The other girls would have known if something had happened," Thomas said. "If another dancer had been beat up or raped by a bunch of white boys, there would have been a ruckus."
Thomas said he declined to come forward with the information earlier upon the advice of his lawyers. He added that he had little to gain by releasing the information because of a pending cocaine possession charge.
Last month, a video surfaced showing the alleged victim dancing at the club early March 26, less than two weeks after the alleged rape occurred.
"She was as regular as pie," Thomas told the N&O. "She didn't do anything different."
Victor Olatoye, the Platinum's owner, told the N&O that club records reveal that the alleged victim danced March 23, 24, 25 and into the early hours of March 26-when the video was recorded.
Olatoye added that all the information was given in a sworn statement to an investigator in Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong's office last month. Olatoye said he has not seen the woman since March.
It remains unclear whether defense lawyers had access to the information prior to Thomas' Friday interview and if it will affect the case.
Kirk Osborn, attorney for defendant Reade Seligmann, declined to comment.
Wade Smith, attorney for Collin Finnerty, and Joe Cheshire, attorney for David Evans, Trinity '06, could not be reached for comment.
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