Sealed documents in the sexual assault case against Denver Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox will remain that way, a judge ruled today. The New York Times, one of the actors with a reporter asking for the files to be made public, reports that Douglas County Judge Susanna Meissner-Cutler kept the documents sealed because the investigation had not yet been closed and that:
She also said she didn't want to subject the alleged victim to harassment and wanted to protect Cox's right to a fair trial.
In addition to the New York Times, the Denver Post and the Associate Press had reporters seeking the opening of these files. The Denver Post reports that the lawyer for the reporters argued on the grounds of First Amendment rights; however, the judge ultimately sided with the lawyer of the alleged victim, who argued her right to privacy would be violated with the release of the documents at this point.
This decision was ruled on during Cox's appearance in court on Friday. A March 10 court date will decide whether a trial for these charges of sexual assault will proceed.