Prosecutors investigating a Canadian
woman’s allegations that entertainer Bill Cosby drugged and fondled her
over a year ago said Thursday they had no plans to pursue criminal
charges. The announcement by Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce
Castor, ends a five-week investigation that began when a former Temple
employee, Andrea Constrand, 31, publicly announced her allegations on
Jan. 13. “After reviewing … and consulting with County and Cheltenham
detectives, the District Attorney finds insufficient credible and
admissible evidence exists upon which any charge against Mr. Cosby
could be sustained beyond a reasonable doubt,” Castor said in a
statement posted on his website. He also cautioned all parties “that he
will reconsider this decision should the need arise.” Constand alleged
that Cosby gave her some medication that made her feel dizzy, then
fondled her while visiting Cosby’s home. She said she later woke up to
find her bra undone and her clothes in disarray. “Everyone involved in
this matter cooperated with investigators, including the complainant
and Mr. Cosby. This level of cooperation has helped the investigation
proceed smoothly and efficiently,” Castor’s statement read. Although
the prosecutor has dropped the investigation, he gave no opinion
concerning a civil suit, stating a much lower standard of proof is
needed for Constand to pursue a civil suit against Cosby. “The District
Attorney,” Castor said, “renders no opinion concerning the credibility
of any party involved so as not to contribute to the publicity, and
taint prospective jurors.” [more]