DNA evidence in Kobe Bryant case may have been contaminated

The prosecution said it had found contamination in DNA "control" samples intended to guarantee that testing was accurate. In addition, prosecutors claim data from the defense experts appears to have been tampered with.

The prosecution wants Bryant’s attorneys to prove the accuracy of the evidence to be presented at the trial by the defense experts and have asked the judge in the case to conduct a hearing on Thursday.

The DNA material is crucial to the defense’s efforts to weaken the credibility of the accuser. The evidence suggests that the alleged victim engaged in sexual activity after her encounter with Bryant and prior to her hospital exam the next day.

Bryant, who recently turned 26, is accused of sexually assaulting a then 19- year-old woman more than a year ago at a Colorado resort, a Class 3 felony with penalties ranging from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.

The Los Angeles Lakers guard, who was in Colorado for surgery on his right knee at the time of the alleged assault, claimed the two had consensual sex.

Jury selection is set to begin this Friday.