DNC delegate accused of assault

PHILADELPHIA – A delegate to the Democratic National Convention is accused of assaulting a fellow delegate at a hotel bar during the convention in Philadelphia.

The district attorney's office on Wednesday charged Walter Weeks, of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, with a second-degree misdemeanor of indecent assault.

Authorities said the alleged assault took place at the downtown DoubleTree hotel in the early morning hours of July 27.

The accuser told The Philadelphia Inquirer that Weeks appeared to be intoxicated and told her that she looked like she could use a hug. When she reluctantly agreed, she said he gave her a big bear hug and buried his head in her chest.

The woman said she reported the incident to police and Democratic Party officials.

In a statement, the DA's office said it initially declined to bring charges in the case based on an "incomplete investigation."

"But, after further investigation by the (office) including a review of additional video and eyewitness testimony," officials decided to charge Weeks, prosecutors said.

Weeks turned himself in to the Philadelphia Police Department's Special Victims Unit on Wednesday.

"Mr. Weeks maintains his innocence in the face of this accusation, which was clearly rejected by the Philadelphia police and the District Attorney's Office, attorney Michael J. Engle said in a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Political and media pressure placed on the D.A. is the sole reason there is any case against Walter Weeks at this time."

The Democratic National Convention was held in Philadelphia from July 25 to 28.