No Basis for Bias Charge in Rutgers Sex-Tape Case: Lawyer

The lawyer for a Rutgers student accused of webcasting a gay sexual encounter involving his roommate, who later committed suicide, says he is confident his client will not be charged with a bias crime.

Steven Altman represents 18-year-old Dharun Ravi of Plainsboro. Altman issued a statement Wednesday saying he was heartened that investigators are taking their time "to learn all the facts'' before deciding whether to file bias charges.

Ravi and another Rutgers freshman, 18-year-old Molly Wei of Princeton, are charged with invasion of privacy.

Ravi's roommate, 18-year-old freshman Tyler Clementi, jumped off the George Washington Bridge on Sept. 22.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said Monday that he wouldn't rush the investigation. His spokesman said Wednesday there was nothing new to report.