Judge to let records in Bryant case become public

DENVER -- A judge cleared the way Wednesday for the release of documents and other evidence in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case as early as next week.

Workers in the Eagle County Sheriff's Department were poring over the records, removing the name of the accuser and some information that would be illegal to make public, such as mental health records.

The prosecution wins a small battle when a judge rules documents involving the Kobe Bryant case should be released.(Getty Images)

Eagle County prosecutors also have some of the material. Prosecution spokeswoman Krista Flannigan said officials would "make every effort" to have the files available Monday.

Prosecutors dropped the felony sexual assault charge against Bryant on Sept. 1 at the request of the alleged victim. Several news organizations including The Associated Press then requested access to the sealed files, including evidence and witness statements.

District Judge Richard Hart temporarily blocked release of the records at the request of Bryant's attorney, Pamela Mackey, who wanted time to argue that they should be permanently sealed.

She said the records contained embarrassing information and that there was no legitimate need to release them.

The temporary seal expired Tuesday and Mackey withdrew the request for a permanent seal. She said as long as prosecutors released all documents -- not just those harmful to Bryant -- the public would be able to fully evaluate the decisions of prosecutors and investigators.

District Attorney Mark Hurlbert responded by saying he intends to withhold some information that could be embarrassing for Bryant, such as evidence about his sexual history.

Prosecutors and attorneys for the 20-year-old alleged victim had argued for releasing most of the details, saying the public's right to review the information outweighs Bryant's right to privacy.

Still pending is Mackey's request for an investigation to determine who leaked an audio recording and transcript of Bryant's interview with investigators the night after the alleged attack in June 2003.

A version of the transcript was published in the Vail Daily two weeks ago.

The alleged victim has sued Bryant, 26, in federal court in Denver, seeking unspecified damages for pain and suffering since accusing him of rape.

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