Prosecutor handling Kane rape case plans to resign by year's end

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The prosecutor handling the Patrick Kane rape investigation has announced he plans to leave office by the end of the year.

Frank Sedita is the Erie County District Attorney in upstate New York. He plans to run for a State Supreme Court seat next year.

Sedita made the announcement to his staff Thursday just before Kane held a press conference.

Kane did not answer any questions about the allegations that he raped a woman at his home in August. Instead, he focused on hockey-related questions.

"I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, teammates, this incredible organization and, of course, our fans," said Kane, who was joined at a table by Blackhawks President John McDonough, general manager Stan Bowman and coach Joel Quenneville. "While I have too much respect for the legal process to comment on an ongoing matter, I am confident once all the facts are brought to light I will be absolved of having done (anything) wrong."

Prosecutors are preparing to take the case before a grand jury, and the exact date for proceedings has not yet been announced.