Mike Nifong is the Durham Country District Attorney who prosecuted three Duke University lacrosse players on charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual assault, based on the allegations of Crystal Gail Mangum, an exotic dancer. However, Nifong committed substantial misconduct in the case. The public statements he made asserting the guilt of the players were an ethics violation (as confirmed later by Bar hearings). In addition, it was revealed at a December 15, 2006 that Nifong had concealed evidence from the defense and from the court, a violation of North Carolina laws on discovery.