Thursday, January 26, 2012

Fox morning show co-anchor - son of NYPD Police Commissioner - Greg Kelly, has been accused of raping woman

Greg Kelly, right, with co-host Rosanna Scotto and actor Chazz Palminteri on set of ‘Good Day New York.’

Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic

Greg Kelly, right, with co-host Rosanna Scotto and actor Chazz Palminteri on set of ‘Good Day New York.’

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, his wife, Veronica, and their son Greg.

Richard Corkery/New York Daily News

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, his wife, Veronica, and their son Greg.

“Good Day New York” co-host Greg Kelly — son of Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly — was a no-show on the program Thursday morning after reports that a Manhattan woman had accused him of rape.

The woman told cops she had drinks with Kelly, 43, at the South Street Seaport Oct. 8 before he sexually assaulted her in the law office where she worked, sources said.

The accuser, who is around 30, did not report the alleged assault until Tuesday night, when she walked into the 13th Precinct stationhouse and gave her account, sources said.

Cops interviewed the woman, but because of the conflict created by probing the commissioner’s son, they quickly turned the case over to the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.

Greg Kelly’s co-host, Rosanna Scotto, expressed her support for him as she walked into the FOX studios about 5:30 a.m.

"I love Greg. That's all I can say," Scotto said.

“Good Day New York” ran reports on the rape allegation and noted Greg Kelly’s denial but did not disclose his status with the program or explain why he wasn’t on the air.

Steve Lacey, the anchor of the early newscast, filled in for Kelly during the broadcast.

Scotto appeared more somber than usual, at one point remarking, "We need a distraction."

In an awkward moment, reporter Tai Hernandez said during a report from the field, "Thank you, Greg," and then, realizing her mistake, said "Steve."

A source said Greg Kelly was “not going anywhere today.”

He has not been criminally charged.

The police commissioner became aware of the accusation against his son when a man, claiming to be her boyfriend — apparently enraged over the alleged attack — recently approached the commissioner at a public event.

“He said, ‘Your son ruined my girlfriend’s life,” said NYPD spokesman Paul Browne. “The commissioner said ‘Well, what do you mean?’ He said he didn’t want to talk about it here so the commissioner told him to send a letter.”

Browne said he was unsure if the man ever sent a letter.

The woman told cops she met Greg Kelly on the street and decided to go for drinks, sources said.

It was unclear why she waited more than three months to make a report.

Greg Kelly, 43, denied the accusation in a statement by his lawyer, Andrew M. Lankler, Wednesday evening.

“Mr. Kelly is aware that the New York County district attorney’s office is conducting an investigation,” the statement said. “Mr. Kelly strenuously denies any wrongdoing of any kind, and is cooperating fully with the district attorney’s investigation. We know the district attorney’s investigation will prove Mr. Kelly’s innocence.”

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