Jays pitcher named in court papers

James Wallace, <a href=www.stcatharinesstandard.ca>The standard-Osprey News Network Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 02:00

National news - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kelvim Escobar was named Friday in graphic court documents that allege he drugged, sexually assaulted and videotaped a woman in her mid-20s.

A statement of claim filed with Ontario Superior Court of Justice alleges Escobar took the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, to a Yorkville dance club in April 2001 where he spiked her champagne with a "noxious substance."

He then took her back to his condominium and videotaped himself sexually assaulting her, the documents allege. According to the documents, when the woman woke, she became suspicious, discovered the video equipment, took the tape and left Escobar's apartment.

"He used Jane as a sexual object and exploited her sexually when she was vulnerable and when he owed her a duty to protect her," the documents state. She is seeking $8 million in damages plus costs.

The statement of claim contains allegations only which have not been proven in court.

Paul Godfrey, Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO, was unaware of the allegations.

"You're going to have to approach Mr. Escobar," he said. "I have no comment on that at all."

Escobar could not be reached for comment.

Osprey News contacted the office of Escobar's lawyer, William Burden, by telephone and fax for comment, but he did not return calls.

Eddie Greenspan, Jane Doe's lawyer, also declined comment on the allegations.

"The allegations by my client are set out in the statement of claim and the court will ultimately determine the case," Greenspan said. Escobar, 27, is a native of Caracas, Venezuela. The documents filed in court Friday state that Escobar and Jane Doe met in 2000 and that the pair met from time to time with friends at various dance clubs in Toronto.

One evening in April 2001, Escobar met Jane Doe outside his condominium at 11 p.m. and drove her in his car to a club onYorkville Avenue, the court papers allege.

Escobar bought a bottle of champagne and poured a glass for Jane Doe and she drank it, according to the documents.

"Unknown to Jane, Escobar laced the champagne with a noxious substance," the documents claim.

The pair danced and while dancing, "Jane began to perspire profusely, became dizzy and light-headed."

Escobar escorted her to his car in front of the club and she lost consciousness, the documents state. The court papers further allege that Jane Doe woke "naked and disoriented" in Escobar's condominium bedroom the next morning and he told her she had "passed out, vomited over her clothes and thus it was necessary for him to undress her."

Jane Doe allegedly found signs she had been sexually assaulted and found a video camera in the bedroom. When Escobar was out of the room, the documents allege, Jane Doe took the cassette from the camera and hid it in her purse.

The documents allege when Jane Doe saw the videotape, it showed Escobar videotaping her while she was unconscious, undressing her and performing several sexual acts upon her, including intercourse.