Security Is a Priority at Hearing

Nearly everyone involved with Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault case -- the judge, attorneys on both sides, the woman accusing him of sexual assault and the Laker star himself -- share something in common.

All have been threatened, either by telephone, letter or e-mail.

Security, therefore, will be a high priority at today’s preliminary hearing.

Armed guards will be stationed at the Eagle County Justice Center, only one entrance into the courthouse will be open, and precautions at that entrance could make airport security seem tame.

Anyone who enters must pass through a metal detector. No cameras, cell phones, pagers, tape recorders or laptop computers will be allowed. Media members fortunate enough to get one of the hotly contested 25 seats in Judge Frederick Gannett’s tiny courtroom can bring in only pens and a notepad.

And, of course, Bryant will show up with his own security guards.

Gannett amended the decorum order he issued before Bryant’s Aug. 6 bond hearing, outlining how he expects the media to behave. Broadcast news platforms and satellite trucks were set up across the street from the justice center early this week, and the local businessman who owns the lot charged $555 per parking space. The lot is full.

A spokeswoman for Dist. Atty. Mark Hurlbert said the hearing is not expected to exceed four hours, meaning it will conclude today.

However, many legal analysts believe the proceeding won’t occur at all, that Bryant’s attorneys will waive it and concede probable cause after learning precisely what Hurlbert plans to introduce as evidence. Gannett is conducting a closed-door meeting with both sides 45 minutes before the preliminary hearing.

In court filings, Hurlbert has said he will call as a witness the investigator who interviewed Bryant and the 19-year-old woman who has accused the Laker guard of rape at a resort hotel June 30. The prosecutor also plans to show photos of injuries to the woman, which could prompt Gannett to clear the courtroom for the presentation of that evidence.

Other experts say Bryant might benefit in the court of public opinion by having his attorneys cross-examine the investigator, Eagle County Sheriff’s Det. Doug Winters, and establish that the woman making the accusations needs to take the witness stand at trial before conclusions can be drawn.

Should the defense waive the preliminary hearing, a short bond hearing would take place and Gannett would send the case to district court for trial. A 5th Judicial District judge will be standing by to hold an arraignment immediately following the bond hearing, although Bryant could ask that the arraignment be postponed.

Holding the arraignment immediately would save Bryant from making another trip to Colorado, but it would require him to enter a plea today. Under Colorado’s speedy trial law, a trial is scheduled within six months of the arraignment.