Local News

Nifong Given Extension to Respond to Ethics Complaint

Durham DA Mike Nifong has been granted an extension to file a written response to ethics charges filed by the State Bar.

Posted Updated
Mike Nifong
RALEIGH, N.C. — Embattled District Attorney Mike Nifong has been granted an extension to file a written response to ethics charges leveled against him for his handling of the Duke lacrosse sexual assault case.

Nifong's response to the North Carolina State Bar complaint was due Friday, but the bar's disciplinary commission moved the deadline to Wednesday because one of Nifong's attorneys was ill.

The bar has accused Nifong of withholding evidence from lawyers defending three lacrosse players charged with sexually assaulting a stripper, of lying to the court and to bar investigators, and making misleading and inflammatory comments about the players.

Legal experts have said Nifong could be disbarred if he's convicted.

Last spring, Nifong won grand jury indictments on charges of rape, sexual offense and kidnapping against lacrosse players Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and David Evans. All three have strongly maintained their innocence.

Nifong dropped the rape charges in December after the 28-year-old accuser changed a key detail in her story, and he later turned the case over to state prosecutors

Copyright 2024 by WRAL.com and the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.