Former Tea Party Spokesman Cleared of Kidnapping, Rape Charges After Alleged Victim Recants
- Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:51am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Michael Kobulnicky
Prosecutors have dropped kidnapping and rape charges against a former San Diego Tea Party spokesman after the alleged victim recanted her story.
Michael Kobulnicky, 54, was arrested earlier this month and accused of sexually assaulting a 56-year-old woman he allegedly picked up in his car. According to San Diego Fox affiliate KSWB-TV, the alleged victim appeared at a bail hearing Monday and told the judge Kobulnicky was not the man who assaulted her.
On Wednesday, she recanted her story to prosecutors and said she was never kidnapped or raped.
A judge dismissed four felony charges against Kobulnicky on Thursday. He had faced a possible life sentence if convicted.
“I didn’t commit any crimes,” Kobulnicky told KSWB after being released from jail. “It’s been hell. When people accuse you of terrible things and you know you didn’t do anything wrong.”
In a statement, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said her office is “dedicated to the protection of the innocent as much as we are committed to holding criminals accountable for their crimes.”
“When we receive new information that leads us to determine we can no longer prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt, we do the right thing and move quickly to dismiss the charges,” Dumanis said.
The woman originally told investigators she was walking home when she was kidnapped and then raped at a recreational area known as Fiesta Island. Police collected evidence, including surveillance video, that appeared to corroborate her story. Detectives later released surveillance footage to the public, which generated numerous tips that pointed to Kobulnicky as the alleged assailant.
According to KSWB, Kobulnicky’s attorneys had said that their client admitted picking up the woman, then having consensual sex with her on Fiesta Island.
San Diego Police told the station they stood by their investigation, saying they had physical evidence connecting Kobulnicky to the alleged crime, but understood the district attorney’s decision in the wake of the woman changing her story.
The woman has since said again that she was attacked, but told San Diego NBC affiliate KNSD-TV that it was by a different man than Kobulnicky. She told the station Kobulnicky does not match the description of the man who attacked her, and accused the district attorney of not caring, “as long as they put the man away.”
In an interview with KSWB, she said a man kidnapped and raped despite repeatedly demanding that he stop.
“This man is sick,” she said. “I kept telling him to stop. He would not stop.”
She told the station she changed her story because she was scared and “filled with fear.” She said she‘s glad Kobulnicky’s case is over so she can “move on with my life.”
Kobulnicky had been a spokesman for the San Diego Tea Party but had been on hiatus from the organization since January to plan his wedding, the Associated Press reported. The charges nearly derailed his upcoming nuptials, which are now on track for May.
In a statement, the San Diego Tea Party said it was “pleased to learn” the charges against Kobulnicky had been dropped.
“Michael is now rightfully exonerated, and justice system has clearly worked,” the statement said. “The unfortunate consequence of this situation is that it will be difficult for Michael to restore his honor, his reputation and his personal life back to how they were before this devastating accusation.”
Kobulnicky’s attorney, Kerry Armstrong, told the Associated Press Kobulnicky has “a lot of animosity” toward the woman.
“We’re happy that she finally told the truth,” he said.
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Comments (80)
blackyb
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:40pmIf that is the woman’s picture below his on here. There is definitely something wrong with that man. That woman is old enough to be his mother and then some. That is not natural. His fiance may reconsider her options. Something is not right with that boy.
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 3:02pmThat’s not a woman, that’s David Lee Roth.
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 3:05pmMaybe…..we have not seen the picture of his future bride though……
Report Post »muddpuddle
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 3:36pmNNow wait a minute…. He’s engaged??? And he had a one night stand with this broad???? He deserves to be shipwrecked, he’s no leader.
Report Post »TheBurningTruth
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:34pmLooks like she needs a facial.
Report Post »JohnTwoFeathers
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 5:23pmI recognize that creepy face. Thats Nancy Peloci before botox.
Report Post »thomasfindman
Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:54amYou should understand that at night (or day) a rapist does not care about looks. It is about finding a victim, or finding a prostitute. You also should understand psychology and the behavorial patterns of narcisitic and sociopathic tendancies. Also be aware that history repeats itself:
In this case: The Manipulator has been found out! But the victim chickened out and he got away with it!
THIS IS A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: It has been discovered that the Kobulnicky dude has a different past Public record filed in Riverside County in the Superior Court of a Misdemeanor that was filed against him being with a Prostitute. It was dropped because he had an excuse. Holy heck! He got out of that one too! This is the truth. It is public record. I mean, his Pubic record. History repeats itself. He got away with it in San Diego too now.
This is public record which anyone can look at.
Manipulation at its fullest. Innocent by default of bullying to a woman! Women be very aware.
Report Post »Toltepeceno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:38pmHe’s definitely guilty of bad taste after seeing her pic.
He should be filing charges against her now for the false report.
Report Post »Dockta
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:23pmShe looks like George Soros in drag…
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:50pmlol, lmao, ur so right
Report Post »yankeeredneck
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:15pmIf it’s NOT George Soros, she was probably hired by a George Soros-funded group to seduce and discredit this guy. Still, he’s a dirtbag and his fiancee should think again.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:18pmSo the rapes for tea party still remains zero. Don‘t think you’ll hear about this on the liberal blogs though.
Report Post »Soul Leister
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:15pmHow will msnbc fill time now… what ever will they talk about???
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 7:25pmre : how will they ever fill the time?
Report Post »***
Just read the headline, they’re accusing Santorum of using the N word. PROBLEM SOLVED!
ldaopines
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:14pmI have no sympathy for the guy. Anyone who is “spokesman” for such an important cause at such an important time needs to stop and think before doing things that could reflect not just on him and his family, but the Tea Party.
Having marched many times with Tea Parties, I resent that there are even “spokesmen”. That movement consisted of diverse groups, and some were there for the Health Care law, some for the Czars, some for border problems, some for tax/debt, etc. We think and speak for ourselves.
Report Post »SenorStrange
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:12pmHe admitted to picking this woman up and having sex with her and the wedding is back on???? What the…
Report Post »Rape or not ..these people are idiots. Him, this woman and his future wife.
wewantchillywilly
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:56ampicking up a prostitue isn’t good, but having somebody lie about kidnapping and rape is just awful.
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 4:50amAgree, It shows what type of man he is but to be accused of such a hideous crime is horrible. I didn’t even know he was cleared as the Blaze is the only one that carried it. When he was arrested, it was all over the news.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:56amClassic! The lemmings continue to bite – hook, line and sinker.
Report Post »wewantchillywilly
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:53ami can’t imagine being accused of something like this, and having absolutely nothing to do with it.
this is absolutely the work of an anti-tea party group. you could be next, folks. this is sol alinsky.
Report Post »woodyb
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:59amHas anyone seen anything about charges against the woman for filing a false police report???????????
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:47amI wonder how much she paid him to do the deed? She hit every branch on the tree.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:59amI know I would tell any body. Make masterbation look real good.
Report Post »Mainer forever
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 6:19pm“She hit every branch on the tree” OMG..so funny….You are absolutly right!!!
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:44amSo now he’s planning a wedding??? Almost saved his cherry…….so close
Report Post »bhelmet
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:36amSounds like he was Alinsky’d.
Report Post »Ksera Sugarmail
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:01pmYuuuuuuuuuuuuuup
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:24amAny bets that it was a totally fabricated lie?
Report Post »Master_and_Commander
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:29amI did, and I was proven right
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:18amSo, he picked up a prostitute, but didn’t rape her. Great, that makes him a lesser criminal.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:20am“According to KSWB, Kobulnicky’s attorneys had said that their client admitted picking up the woman, then having consensual sex with her on Fiesta Island.”
EEEWWWW!!! Put him and jail and throw away the key!!!!
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:29amKey words to ponder…“According to KSWB”
OP perhaps you meant to reply to the McDonald’s prostitute thangie, eh?
And I wonder if his lawyer suggested that he make that statement???
Pull the trigger to fast and you shoot your own foot.
Anyhoo, it is what she said in front of the judge that is the bottom line…I guess if I thought like you folks, I’d make a remark that he paid her to say that???
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:14am.
It’s more like this Poor Guy was Raped by an all to willing System……………..
His Life Will Never Be The Same……..
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:14amI now understand why my dad used to say that all politicians should be eunuchs. Not only would you know exactly who you were speaking to (by their high voice) but the sexual depravity would cease. A side benefit would be that only really dedicated people would be willing to serve.
Report Post »tharpdevenport
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:56pmOf the people, for the people, by the people. Representatives.
No representation of the people, when the people are in mass not eunuchs’.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:04amC’mon Blaze! You need to correct this story! She didn’t recant! The were charging the WRONG person!!! Geez!! You’re starting to look more like the MSM every day!
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:09amQuick…get Al Sharpton on this clear miscarriage of justice. Where’s Spike “Twit” Lee setting his lynch mob onto this man?
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:15amDefinition of RECANT. transitive verb. 1: to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly : renounce.
Seems to me it is an accurate use. She withdrew her lie.
If I was this guy, I’d sue her for defamation of character and slander. Send a clear message you better not lie when you are going to charge someone with rape and kidnapping.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:16amWhats so amazing is how pretty she is , lol; ewwwwwwwwwwwwww puke , sry.
Report Post »PlaneDoc
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:29amOk now you need to read the article again and get your facts complete. She told procecuters that “ she was not kidnapped or raped by anyone”, then she told a news crew “she was ,but not by K”
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:30amIf she didn’t recant then why was he let go?
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:03amLie if you have to go after the Tea Party….we get it…..I think you will find she is related to the Obama admin…
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:14amShe is looking 4 a free counterception
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:32amSirfoldallot
buwahahaha a counterception.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:55amty, can’t spell good not smart enough 2 have TMI that it makes me insane.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:02amSounds like the District Attorney has an agenda, and they need to be removed from their position. Time to lawyer up!
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:32amyes the agenda is obvious he drops charges only when he cannot prove his case? not when he knew this lady was a lying sack of garbage which is obvious? he needs to be fired
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:56amPersonal agenda is very likely; recall the one DA that went after the college lacross players even when the evidence cleared them in the end? Those young men’s reputations and honor were ended then and there forever. Once an accusation is made, the damage done can never be restored.
Never.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 1:01pmsnow you are totally correct the damage can never be done. off topic but look at senator stevens in alaska. cleared of all charges after his death, the damage to his family and reputation can never be fixed. truly sad.
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 1:45pmthis is a good lesson for spine
Report Post »you don.t jump before you know
were you going to land
oneshiner
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 2:00pmRight on! The DA had an agenda. Perhaps against the Tea Party? Thank goodness this woman refused to go along with it. I applaud her for coming clean.
Report Post »Bigolfascist
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:02amJustice is served—-sort of. He didn’t rape her, that’s true. He still picked up the woman, had consensual sex with her, and he engaged to marry to another woman soon. “(He) had been on hiatus from the organization since January to plan his wedding, the Associated Press reported. The charges nearly derailed his upcoming nuptials, which are now on track for May.” His bride to be is still going to marry him?? Yeah, his philandering will stop after he puts on that wedding ring. An engagement ring is just a place holder, I guess. He’s still a sleaze bag.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:00amThere will be more charges from these nut jobs. Fight back.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:02amAgree. It’s those law degrees which make they so able to skirt the law !
Report Post »oldguy49
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:59amfileing false charges against someone is a crime?
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:05amShe didn’t file false charges, they’re, as in the District Attorney is charging the WRONG person, and she told them that!
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:25amAh, yeah she accused him with the police by using her encounter at Fiesta Island. Read the story again. Read it slower if you need too. Surveillance pointed to him, not the real person.
It wasn’t until court that she recanted to the judge.
Report Post »bvberry
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:58amI am sorry but her story sounds very odd.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:58amSounds like another “hit” by the Democrat/Marxist Character Assassination Squad ! Pure Saul Alinsky , the man who marched the current Democrats into hell .
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