by R. Asmerom

Amidst allegations of rape and sexual assault, the head of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn has stepped down from his  post in order to focus on defending his innocence in court. “I want to protect this institution which I have served with honor and devotion, and especially — especially — I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to proving my innocence,” he said in a written statement.

Strauss-Kahn was accused by a maid, who was working during his stay at the Sofitel Hotel in New York,  of sexual assault and forcing her to have oral sex. Reuters reports the maid is a single mother and widow from Guinea in West Africa. Other news outlets have reported her to be 32 years of age.

The 62 year-old Frenchman was expected to be the next President of France.  He’s had a great reputation as head of the IMF and also had a reputation as “the Great Seducer” and as a philanderer. He is now charged with  criminal sexual acts, attempted rape, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching. If convicted, he can be sentenced to 25 years in prison.