Chicago Sun-Times

Trial to focus on testimony of Constand, ‘ Kacey’

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dence” when he filed the charges against Cosby, just weeks before the statute of limitation­s was to expire.

THE ACCUSERS

In a he- said- she- said case such as this, Constand will be the key witness. The prosecutio­n sought to call 13 other accusers to testify to Cosby’s alleged “prior bad acts,” but O’Neill has allowed only one — known by the pseudonym “Kacey” — after ruling that her story ( similar to Constand’s in some details) can be heard because its “probative” value outweighs any potential for unfair prejudice.

THE PROSECUTIO­N

According to former Pennsylvan­ia prosecutor Dennis McAndrews, the prosecutio­n’s case is expected to focus on Constand’s testimony, “Kacey’s” testimony and Cosby’s own words about his behavior with women as taken in his deposition.

THE DEFENSE

Cosby’s team is headed by Brian McMonagle and Angela Agrusa. Their strategy is likely to focus on details in Constand’s story they believe could lead to reasonable doubt. For instance, they say, she told police she went to Cosby’s house and left after he touched her inappropri­ately. But she returned after he invited her to dinner.

OTHER LAWYERS

There are a half- dozen lawyers who represent other accusers who have filed civil suits against Cosby.

Gloria Allred is the main player. She will be in the courtroom when “Kacey” testifies.

Moreover, she has used the Cosby case in her ongoing effort to persuade legislatur­es to eliminate or extend statutes of limitation­s on rape and child molestatio­n cases so that accusers can pursue defendants in criminal court years after alleged assaults.

 ?? KEVORK DJANSEZIAN, GETTY IMAGES ?? Attorney Gloria Allred, right, with accusers, including “Kacey,” at her right, who will testify at the trial.
KEVORK DJANSEZIAN, GETTY IMAGES Attorney Gloria Allred, right, with accusers, including “Kacey,” at her right, who will testify at the trial.

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