http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_21241293.shtml
Commiserating With Robert Novak, Thanks To The Duke Case
updated.
http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/490787.html
Probation violations trip second dancer
Kim Roberts could spend two months on electronic house arrest.
Benjamin Niolet, Staff Writer
DURHAM - The second dancer hired for a Duke University lacrosse team party in March admitted a handful of probation violations Monday and agreed to spend up to two months on electronic house arrest.
The deal allows Kim Roberts, also known as Kim Pittman, to avoid a six-month jail sentence that was imposed when she was convicted in 2001 of embezzling $25,000 from a Durham photofinishing company. Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood extended her probation -- which was to expire this year -- until 2009 while Roberts pays off more than $23,000 in restitution that she still owes.
Roberts has emerged as an important witness in the investigation of a reported rape at a Duke University lacrosse team party. Other than members of the team and the accuser, she is the only person who can account for events in the house that night, although Roberts was not inside when authorities say another dancer was raped.
After Roberts gave police a statement, they arrested her on probation violations. Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong, who is prosecuting the rape case, later reduced Roberts' bail payment.
Roberts was charged with five violations, including not keeping up with payments, missing appointments with her probation officer, leaving the state without permission and quitting a job and moving without notifying probation officials, said Terrence Eason, chief probation officer.
Roberts must serve at least 60 days of her electronic house arrest. If she pays back $1,400 of missed restitution payments, she can get off house arrest early.
Hobgood told Roberts and her attorney, Mark Simeon, that she has a "tremendous amount" of restitution to pay off. Simeon said Roberts was looking for a new job that would allow her to pay more money. Simeon said Roberts hasn't danced for an escort service since the March lacrosse party.
Staff writer Benjamin Niolet can be reached at 956-2404 or bniolet@newsobserver.com.