No Charges Against Hofstra Student For False Rape Accusations

The 18-year-old Hofstra freshman who falsely accused five men of raping her in a dormitory hall bathroom will not face criminal charges. Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice said that Danmell Ndonye will instead undergo extensive mental health counseling and must perform 250 hours of community service; if she doesn't, then criminal charges may be pursued.

Four of the five falsely accused suspects were jailed; the fifth had videotaped part of their encounter with Ndonye, which apparently showed that it was a consensual act. When confronted with the existence of the tape, Ndonye recanted her story and admitted she made up the allegations. While criminal charges were considered, Rice said, "There exists no perfect solution to this case, only our best attempt at holding her accountable while encouraging real victims to come forward and accusers to tell the truth so that we can avoid incarcerating an innocent person for even one minute."

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By Jen Chung in News on September 25, 2009 5:57 PM

Comments [rss]

Matt Joyce

Well, there's two sides to a court decision. Justice first, and rehabilitation second. The victims of her lie didn't go to prison and were exonerated fairly quickly. And I am no lawyer, but I am fairly certain she remains liable for civil suits resulting from her public slander. So it is fair to say these men may well get the justice they "deserve". I think we all know that their actions were not exactly honorable and that's to be taken into consideration.

So the second question comes in to play. Rehabilitation. What's best for the girl. I don't think prison is, obviously that sentiment is shared by people involved in the situation. Saving this girls life and getting her the help she needs instead of persecuting her is a noble effort and one to be commended.

That being said, I think we are all aware of the dangers of letting our emotions lead us. Innocence until proven guilty is something that media should stress now more than ever. But all too often are news outlets intent on assigning blame... and never are they truly held accountable for their mistakes.

Polemicist

Am I the only one who thinks all of these people should be sterilized?

Jimmy

Add this to the pile: No prosecution for the 'stripper' at Duke (Crystal Mangum), no prosecution for Hedda Nussbaum (sat with the kid who was dying a slow, agonizing death for 10 hours - then the 'prosecutors' found Hedda was a "victim", too...strike up the Oprah band...). Men NEVER get custody unless the mother is a provem member of al Qaeda... I hope real rapists will force the victim to "play along for the camera" next time...

Rocknrope

Mental health counseling? Why? Just because she had a fun night being completely stuffed? Geez, the high morality of some people...

NannyState

But she needs to explore how she really feels about lying and possibly sending innocent people to prison for life.

MacMuttonchops

Stupid freshman.

Rocknrope

Just imagine if that 5th suspect didn't tape the incident. She may never have recanted. These guys owe a debt of gratitude to the founders of the Flip video camera.

Mr Mel

Did he use that or a cell phone?

Sommelier

In this age of The Google, when a prospective employer runs the name of one of the men involved, guess what's going to pop up? There will be damage to their reputations for the rest of their lives... and why? because the woman sobered up, or had second thoughts?

armacy

Won't The Google show that they were falsely accused?

Sommelier

Yes... if the reader scrolls down far enough.

John Knee

I bet they figured that if this one was sent up the river that all of the others that lied would NEVER come forward with the truth.

freddynyc

Well, that's certainly good news for the fellas at Hofstra - they just need to remember to bring a video camera...

verbal

figures a chick DA! fuckin skanks all stick together.

velmonk

c'mon kids...where's the outrage?

oh right, ruining someone's life with false accusations is no biggie.

HymietownHero

I figured. No cage time, just couch time.

Civil damages? A nice written apology? Free re-do?

babyhitler

fake SNL David Patterson was right. NEW JERZZZEY SUCKS!!!

thcalan

I think the knowledge of the fact that the whole world knows that she was crammed in every hole in a bathroom stall because she opened her mouth is punishment enough