Dominique Strauss-Kahn, alleged rapist, sent to NY slammer

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the chief of the International Monetary Fund and French presidential aspirant, was sent to Rikers Island jail in New York after being denied bail for a rape charge.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Melissa Jackson agreed with prosecutors that Dominique Strauss-Kahn was a flight risk and should not be freed. They also pointed out that France does not extradite its own citizens and it would be difficult for the U.S. to bring him to trial if he is allowed to post bail.

The 62-year old Kahn was arrested by police in an Air France flight before it left JFK International Airport two days ago.

The hotel maid who claimed Kahn raped her at work at the Sofitel New York Hotel was able to identify him in a police lineup of six men as the one who sexually assaulted her at around noon of May 14.

Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Artie McConnell described Dominique Strauss-Kahn's actions according to the chambermaid's account of events.

The maid alleged that the Frenchman "restrained a hotel employee inside of the room. He sexually assaulted her and attempted to forcibly rape her," McConnell said. "When he was unsuccessful, he forced her to perform oral sex on him."

Dominique Strauss-Kahn was initially taken into custody at the Special Victims Unit in East Harlem where police examined him for evidence such as DNA. After his court appearance at the Manhattan Criminal Court where he was denied bail, Kahn was taken to jail where he will stay until his return to court on May 20.

McConnell indicated during the hearing that at least one report tells of a similar misconduct done in the past by the accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn.