Strauss-Kahn Denied Bail

The Wall Street Journal reports:

International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was ordered held without bail in a sex assault case after an appearance in a New York City courtroom Monday.

Attorneys representing Mr. Strauss-Kahn, who has been charged with sexually assaulting a chamber maid at a Manhattan hotel, argued that their client was not a flight risk and was prepared to post a $1 million bail package. Mr. Strauss-Kahn was not required to enter a plea. His attorneys said the IMF chief denies the charges.

Prosecutors said the allegations against Mr. Strauss-Kahn were substantial and that he had little motivation to return to court to answer to the charges.

After hearing both sides, the judge, Melissa Jackson, ordered Mr. Strauss-Kahn to be held without bail pending grand jury action on the case.

Mr. Strauss-Kahn, 62 years old, appeared briefly in court, sitting in a holding pen where defendants wait to be called for arraignment but was then removed. It was unclear why he was taken away.

Once his case was called Mr. Strauss-Kahn returned and listened to the proceedings quietly.

During the proceedings, prosecutors charged Mr. Strauss-Kahn with two counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree, one count of attempted rape in the first degree, one count of sexual abuse in the first degree, one count of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, one count of forcible touching, and one count of sexual abuse in the third degree.

The top charge of criminal sexual act carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement.

Mr. Strauss-Kahn is scheduled to appear in court May 20th.