Pete Hegseth Challenges DA Over Withheld Files in Sexual Assault Allegation

Pete Hegseth, nominated as Defense Secretary, is pushing back against the Monterey County DA’s office.

Why?

He wants access to potentially exonerating documents tied to a 2017 sexual assault accusation.

His legal team suspects these files include evidence of the accuser’s history of false allegations.

And that could beef up his defense.

Despite the DA’s office trying to deny the request, Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, is challenging the decision.

Transparency is the best cure for so many of these allegations.

So why is the DA dragging their feet?

Pete Hegseth demands DA hand over prosecution memo on rape claim — cites tip about more exonerating details https://t.co/fOeBqMhIE7 pic.twitter.com/Gt6Gyyeh2R

— New York Post (@nypost) November 25, 2024

New York Post reports:

Defense Secretary-designee Pete Hegseth is demanding a file from the Monterey County, Calif., district attorney’s office that his legal team believes may contain additional exonerating information about a 2017 sexual assault allegation against him, The Post can reveal.

The records request comes as some Democrats continue to cast doubt on the former Fox News personality’s innocence despite the release of a police file with details contradicting his accuser’s account.

The memorandum underpinning the decision not to prosecute Hegseth is believed to describe an earlier allegation of sexual misconduct made by the same woman in a different jurisdiction, Hegseth attorney Tim Parlatore said.

“As part of our investigation, we received credible information indicating that she may have made a similar false allegation against another man in the past and the DA may have relied upon this as part of their determination, in addition to other witnesses who contradicted her story,” Parlatore told The Post.

The Monterey County DA’s office, led by elected district attorney Jeannine Pacioni, on Friday declined to provide the documentation in response to a request from Parlatore — saying in its reply that “[t]he records you request are exempt from disclosure.”

“Your request for memoranda contains the opinions, conclusions, impressions, legal research and/or legal theories of the handling attorney[s]. These constitute core work product and are exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act,” says the reply signed by Pacioni and her chief assistant Berkley Brannon.

Parlatore is appealing the denial.

How is the media reacting to Hegseth?

That’s usually a good indicator if President Trump picked the right guy:

How do I know Hegseth is the perfect man for the job🤔? BECAUSE THE MEDIA (Deep State) ARE GOING NUTS OVER HIS PICK😲! I’ve barely heard a peep about DJT 🥾 15 THOUSAND men who think they are woman though🧐. Do you really want to be in a war with a “mentally challenged” guy? NO🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nhVN6r431X

— Bobby D🎙 (@robertdunlap947) November 25, 2024

Another good reason…

BREAKING: All employees in the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are threatening to resign if Pete Hegseth is confirmed as Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/sbs8TSW0vQ

— A Man Of Memes (@RickyDoggin) November 24, 2024