Rape Inquiry Traces Travels of Kennedy Family Members

PALM BEACH, Fla. —  Police and prosecutors Friday sought credit card, taxi and airline records to trace movements of members of the Kennedy family during the weekend of an alleged rape at the Kennedy estate.

The travel and spending records were sought as part of the rape case and an investigation into possible obstruction of justice after a 29-year-old woman claimed that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the Kennedy clan.

The Palm Beach County state attorney’s office has subpoenaed records from American Express, Yellow Cab, an employment agency and a Palm Beach nightspot, police confirmed Friday.

Police have asked for airline computer records to determine whether William Kennedy Smith, who has been charged with sexual battery, Florida’s equivalent to rape, changed his flight plans after police began investigating the March 30 incident.

State Atty. David Bludworth declined to comment Friday on any part of the investigation. A police source, who asked not to be identified, confirmed that the records were being sought.

The Palm Beach Post first reported the search for the records on Friday.

The obstruction of justice investigation will focus on police claims that authorities were misled when they went to the estate and asked to speak to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is Smith’s uncle.

Police say they were told on March 31 that the senator was not home. Later they were told he had left Palm Beach. Kennedy actually left the compound on April 1.

Family members have said that Smith, 30, returned to Washington as planned on Easter Sunday.

Police Chief Joseph Terlizzese has said that “several people” are being investigated for possible obstruction of justice or related charges. Florida law allows charges for interfering with an investigation or failing to assist a peace officer.

Investigators have asked an employment agency for records on Jean Saba, a Kennedy estate housekeeper.

Authorities also were seeking bar tabs and charge slips for E. R. Bradley’s Saloon, the Post reported.

The alleged victim met Smith, Kennedy and the senator’s son, Patrick Kennedy, a Rhode Island state representative, at a nightclub called Au Bar on the night of the incident. The newspaper did not explain why authorities are seeking records from E. R. Bradley’s Saloon.