A more thorough report on the William Kennedy Smith case indicates that, after the alleged rape, the victim began a physical relationship with Smith but later ended it because he became verbally abusive.... (see bolded part of sstory below)
William Kennedy Smith Accused Of Rape
VIDEO: Dave Savini investigates.
cbs2chicago.com
Aug 25, 2004 10:00 pm US/Central
CHICAGO (CBS 2) Thirteen years after being found not guilty of rape in Florida, William Kennedy Smith finds himself at the center of another sex scandal. The nephew of Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy is now being sued by his former personal assistant.
2 Investigator Dave Savini broke the story of her allegations, and has the only interview she's giving.
"He forced my head into his lap and wouldn't let me sit up," says Audra Soulias.
This Chicago woman is talking about her former boss, William Kennedy Smith.
"I was gasping for air. It was like I was being held under water," she said.
The same William Kennedy Smith who was acquitted of rape charges in a 1991 Florida case.
"I continued to cry. I continued to plead," said Soulias.
The same William Kennedy Smith who is now a doctor in charge of a world renown non-profit group headquartered in Chicago that helps landmine victims.
"He dragged me into his house, dragged me to his upstairs bedroom, and he raped me," she said.
Soulias was Smith's office assistant. She claims smith showed up at a small office party for her 23rd birthday.
It was there where she says smith was buying drinks for everyone, and said he would make sure she got home safely.
Instead she says he took her to his Lakeview house and allegedly dragged her into his bedroom.
"He pushed my shirt over my waist, pulled my tights down and forced his hand inside me."
Paul Ciolino, a private investigator working with Soulias' legal team says he checked out her story, gave her a lie detector test and she passed.
"Our goal is to prevent another girl from being victimized,” says Ciolino.
Ciolino says smith apologized the next day, promised to get help and made her feel that he wanted a relationship with her.
"He convinced her that it was all going to be ok. That it was all a mistake. ‘I really didn't mean it. It was an accident. I had a bad moment. I'll get help. I'll do this, I'll do that.’ Of course, we know that none of that took place," said Ciolino.
He says after months of promising to change, she finally believed him and they began a physical relationship. But she says that relationship with her boss turned verbally abusive, and she stopped working for him.
"Audra is here to make sure there are no other victims of Dr. William Kennedy Smith,” said attorney Kevin O’Reilly. “This heinous behavior has to stop, and that's why were here."
O'Reilly represents Soulias. He says the alleged rape happened in 1999. Since then, according to the complaint, other women under Smith's supervision have come forward alleging sexual misconduct, inappropriate touching and verbal harassment.
This year their cases were being investigated internally by smith's organization, CIR, the Center for International Rehabilitation.
That's when Audra Soulias says she came forward.
She says she reported her alleged assault to CIR's investigator. 24 hours later she says she got what she believed was a threatening phone call from Smith.
Her lawyer says a cir board member gave smith her new phone number.
"This is a situation where a predator is coming back for his prey."
"That night of your birthday, you say he raped you then said ‘Happy birthday?’” asked 2 Investigator Dave Savini.
Soulias confirmed that statement.
She says she saved some of Smith's phone messages.
Late Wednesday, the Center for International Rehabilitation sent CBS 2 this statement:
"Despite the time, energy and resources that will be needlessly wasted fighting these allegations, the organization cannot in anyway endorse her claims or agree to her unwarranted demands."
Dr. Smith also responded saying:
"Unfortunately, my family and my personal history have made me vulnerable to these kinds of allegations. I am saddened to think of the destructive impact this may have on the work and current employees of CIR.” |
