A newly released police report provides fresh details about a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Secretary of Defense. The report, obtained by CNN through a public records request from the city attorney’s office in Monterey, California, offers a detailed look into the incident, with conflicting accounts from both Hegseth and the woman who accused him.
Full Pete Hegseth (Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense) rape police report here.
“Rape: victim unconscious of the nature of the act.” pic.twitter.com/fTwPs91kKI
— ┋𝔇𝔞𝔫𝔞’𝔰 𝔐𝔲𝔰𝔢┋ (@DanasMuse1) November 21, 2024The Allegation: A Disputed Account of the Night
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of October 8, 2017, following a speech Pete Hegseth gave at the California Federation of Republican Women’s convention at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. According to the woman, identified in the report as “Jane Doe,” the two went to the hotel bar together after the event. She claims Pete Hegseth made advances toward her, touching her knee and inviting her to his hotel room. One conference attendee even reported that she tried to prevent Hegseth from pursuing Doe by staying close to her and acting as a “crotch blocker.”
Another attendee told police that Doe appeared coherent and not overly intoxicated when they last saw her, suggesting she was capable of managing her own safety. However, Doe later described feeling uncomfortable with Hegseth’s behavior and texted a friend that he was “giving off a ‘creeper’ vibe.”
Conflicting Accounts and Surveillance Footage
According to the police report, surveillance footage from the hotel shows Pete Hegseth and Doe leaving the bar together around 1:15 a.m. The video shows them walking arm-in-arm toward the hotel pool, where they reportedly argued about his treatment of women at the conference. A hotel employee, who witnessed the argument, recalled that Pete Hegseth appeared heavily intoxicated, while Doe appeared sober.
After the argument, Doe says she has no clear memory of what happened next, except that she found herself in Pete Hegseth’s hotel room. She told police that he took her phone and physically blocked the door when she tried to leave. Doe described repeatedly saying “no,” but had little memory of the events that followed. She later told hospital staff that she wasn’t sure if sexual penetration had occurred, but believed she had been assaulted.
Pete Hegseth’s Account of the Encounter
Hegseth, in contrast, claimed that the encounter was consensual. He admitted to being “buzzed” from drinking beer that night but said he and Doe engaged in consensual sex after returning to his room. He recalled that Doe asked if he had a condom, but when he replied that he did not, she said it wasn’t a problem. Hegseth maintained that their sexual encounter was mutually agreed upon and described it as part of an ongoing conversation throughout the night. He claimed that after the encounter, Doe showed signs of regret, though he did not elaborate on that point.
Investigation and No Charges Filed
Doe did not realize the full extent of what had happened until she returned home and subsequently reported the incident to authorities on October 12, 2017. She underwent a rape kit exam at a hospital, and police began investigating the allegation. Despite the detailed accounts of both parties, the investigation did not lead to criminal charges. The Monterey County District Attorney’s office has not provided any details about why charges were not filed, citing state law that restricts the release of certain information.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, has strongly defended his client, emphasizing that the investigation found no criminal wrongdoing. He noted that Hegseth and the woman reached a settlement that included an undisclosed monetary payment and a confidentiality agreement. Parlatore asserted that the incident was fully investigated, and the police report confirmed that the allegations were false, even though the report does not explicitly state this.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The timing of the police report’s release, as Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense is under review, has raised questions about whether this allegation could affect his confirmation. Hegseth’s supporters, including Trump’s transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, have rallied behind him, describing him as a respected combat veteran. Leavitt emphasized that the police found the allegations to be false and argued that Hegseth’s record of service speaks for itself.
However, the woman who made the accusation declined to comment when approached by reporters last week, becoming visibly emotional. The case has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Hegseth’s future political career, with critics questioning whether the allegations will overshadow his nomination.
A Case with Many Unanswered Questions
The newly released police report adds further complexity to an already contentious situation. With conflicting stories, surveillance footage, and no criminal charges, it remains unclear what truly transpired between Hegseth and Doe that night. As Hegseth faces the Senate confirmation process, the sexual assault allegation is expected to be a key point of debate, adding uncertainty to his political future. Despite the report’s findings, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and scrutiny public figures face when accusations of sexual misconduct arise.
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