Related Links![[search]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v1/images/icons/16x12/search-form-icon.gif){kind=icon}
Site SearchDurham, N.C. — Mike Nifong's attorney said Wednesday that he plans to file a motion to dismiss a civil a lawsuit filed by the three former Duke lacrosse players the former district attorney sought to prosecute last year.
Durham attorney Jim Craven said they anticipate filing the request within the next three weeks.
Jan. 15 is the deadline for defendants named in the 155-page complaint to respond to the allegations.
Collin Finnerty, David Evans and Reade Seligmann filed the federal lawsuit Oct. 5 alleging Nifong, the city of Durham, former police Chief Steve Chalmers and several police detectives and officers conspired to keep a weak case alive as Nifong faced election in the Democratic primary for district attorney.
Evans, Finnerty and Seligmann are asking for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and numerous changes in the way the Durham Police Department handles criminal investigations.
Several other defendants are expected to also file motions to dismiss the suit.
Finnerty, Evans and Seligmann were charged in April and May 2006 after exotic dancer Crystal Mangum claimed she was raped at an off-campus party hosted by lacrosse players.
Even as the case unfolded, Nifong pursued charges of first-degree rape, kidnapping and sexual assault until last December, when he dismissed the rape charge against the three men.
Less than a month later, he recused himself from the case and asked for a special prosecutor to handle it.
In April, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper dropped the case, saying his special prosecutors had found no grounds to proceed.
Three other members of the 2006 men's lacrosse team have also filed a federal lawsuit, accusing dozens of defendants of fraud, negligence and conspiracy for pursuing the case despite evidence that Mangum's allegations were false.
Nifong Wants Civil Lawsuit Dismissed
News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone0 Comments
-
- Campaign appearances underscore N.C.'s importance
Updated Oct. 6 7:24 p.m. |
- Amid tough times, Raleigh economy experiencing growth
Updated Oct. 6 7:06 p.m. | - Durham police protest pay at City Council meeting
Updated 57 minutes ago | - Volleyball coach firing causing rift at Hillsborough school
Updated Oct. 6 11:41 p.m. | - Police hit jackpot in illegal gambling bust
Updated Oct. 6 11:34 p.m.
- Campaign appearances underscore N.C.'s importance
- Most Viewed Slideshows
- Pet Photos | Sep. 29 - Oct. 5, 2008
Oct. 3, 2008 - The week in entertainment
Oct. 3, 2008 - The week in photos
Oct. 3, 2008
- Pet Photos | Sep. 29 - Oct. 5, 2008
STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS
IMAGES
BLOG POSTS-
10 questions with a WRAL.com moderatorA WRAL.com moderator answers your questions about comments on stories, abuse reports and more.
-
10 questions with N.C. Secretary of Crime Control & Public SafetyBryan Beatty answers your questions about homeland security, gang prevention and illegal immigrants.
-
10 questions with Funeral Director David HeckelFuneral Director David Heckel answers your questions about embalming, cremation and burial.
-
Watch 2008 debatesN.C. voters have two tough choices to make at leadership positions. Play back the debate video from races from president to lt. governor and see…
-
Voters talk about big issues of 2008Energy, the economy, health care and the war in Iraq resonate most with voters in the upcoming presidential election.
-
North Carolina upends UConn 38-12The Heels made a strong statement with their resounding victory over previously undefeated UConn Saturday night.
-
State comes up short against Boston College, 38-31N.C. State came back from a 14-point defecit in the 4th quarter against Boston College, but lost the game when the Eagles scored a touchdown with…
-
Biden, Palin debate issuesRepublican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden sparred over taxes, energy policy and the Iraq war in a high-profile debate Thursday night.
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.