Robert M. Morgenthau, the former longtime Manhattan district attorney, is praising how his successor, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., has handled the sexual assault case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Mr. Morgenthau said in a statement yesterday that Mr. Vance has upheld the office’s commitment “to seek justice over everything else.” Mr. Morgenthau said he met this week with Mr. Vance, who took office in 2010. Mr. Morgenthau retired after 35 years in the job and endorsed Mr. Vance.
Mr. Vance has faced some criticism since prosecutors said last week that their high-profile case against the former International Monetary Fund leader had weakened because his accuser had a history of being untruthful. Mr. Vance says his office acted appropriately in pursuing the case, and then by revealing its newfound doubts. Mr. Strauss-Kahn denies allegations of sexually attacking a hotel maid.
