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Source: Former IMF chief sought company of two hotel receptionists

From Susan Candiotti and Ross Levitt, CNN
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Dominique Strauss-Kahn timeline
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • A source describes Dominique Strauss-Kahn's alleged encounters in the hotel
  • A receptionist says he asked her to stay in his room for champagne, the source says
  • A second receptionist says Strauss-Kahn called and asked her to join him for a drink
  • Both receptionists declined, the source says

New York (CNN) -- Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn sought the company of two female hotel staffers after he checked into Manhattan's Sofitel Hotel one day before his alleged sexual assault on a maid May 14, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation.

As a receptionist was personally escorting Strauss-Khan to his suite following check-in, he asked her to stay for some champagne, according to the source, but the receptionist told investigators she turned him down.

Later, according to the source, Strauss-Kahn called a different receptionist from his suite to ask if she would join him for a drink in his room after she got off duty. Like the first receptionist, she also declined the former IMF chief's invitation.

"She described it as flirtatious," the source, who asked for anonymity, told CNN Sunday.

The additional details are emerging from police interviews with hotel staff about contacts employees may have had with their prestigious guest prior to and following the alleged attack.

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Strauss-Kahn has been indicted on seven charges including forcing the maid to perform oral sex on him, and attempted rape. If he is convicted, Strauss-Kahn faces up to 25 years in prison.

In his written resignation to the International Monetary Fund last week, Strauss-Kahn said, "I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me."

Reporters remained camped Sunday outside the apartment building in Manhattan's financial district where he is under court-ordered watch, part of the terms of his $6 million bail agreement.

Strauss-Kahn must pay for the 24-hour armed guard posted at his door and other electronic surveillance. The security company, Stroz Friedberg, has the contract to keep track of Strauss-Kahn, estimated by Manhattan Assistant District Attorney John McConnell to cost at least $200,000 per month. The same firm handled security for convicted swindler Bernard Madoff.

Strauss-Kahn's current living arrangements are temporary. His lawyers say Strauss-Kahn and his wife are expected to move this week to another apartment building. Once there, he can leave the building only for court appearances. If he wants to leave for any other reason, including religious services, he must provide six hours notice to prosecutors.

Meanwhile, another law enforcement source offered more details about events when police stepped on to a Paris-bound Air France jet at JFK airport to take custody of Strauss-Kahn.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Strauss-Kahn had at least one question for officers who told him they were escorting him off the plane. He asked the officers what was going on, according to the source.

New York Port Authority officers removed Strauss-Kahn from the jet and turned him over to the New York City police.

As CNN has previously reported, another law enforcement source, who also asked to be unnamed, told CNN the former IMF chief was silent when he was transferred to New York detectives and when questioned by investigators with the special victims unit.