New York prosecutor has decided not to file criminal charges against a Hofstra University freshman who falsely claimed she was gang-raped in a dormitory bathroom.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says Danmel Ndonye must undergo mental health treatment and lengthy community service in exchange for not being prosecuted.
The 18-year-old, previously described by the prosecutor as "a deeply troubled woman," had claimed she was attacked following a dance party at a Long Island campus nightclub. Four men were arrested and a fifth was being sought when she recanted the story three days later.
Ndonye has already been kicked out of college for the false report and has been hiding out since. She's refused to talk about her recanted claims she was tied up and gang raped inside a dormitory bathroom after a video of the incident emerged and shot holes in her original assertions.
Prosecutors said she cracked and changed her story when they told her about a videotape.
"The turning point was when she was confronted with the fact that there may exist a video of some or all of the incident. The woman began to reveal the truth about what happened," Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said.
Investigators said the video showed no ropes, no ties and no force.
Prosecutors said the rape accusations against another Hofstra student and four other men who are not enrolled at the university may have been a cover story made up to appease a jealous boyfriend.
Kevin Tavares had this to say about being wrongly accused and forced behind bars for three days.
"I'm happy that the truth is out and we can clear our names," Tavares said.
Hofstra students told CBS 2 HD the case makes them angry after learning it was a hoax.
"Her false accusations hurt a lot of people. Yes, it hurt the gentlemen who spent time it jail. It hurt the university. It hurt the university's reputation and it hurt Nassau County financially," student Zach Parker said.
"I think full charges should be pressed against her because that's just not right," Robert Koulakjian said
