Harvey Weinstein Charged With Rape In Los Angeles -- Faces 28 Years In Prison
Harvey Weinstein has just been charged with multiple felonies, including rape, in Los Angeles County after the District Attorney announced the case on the first day of his sexual assault trial in New York.
According to a press release sent out by the DA, "Jackie Lacey announced today that film producer Harvey Weinstein has been charged with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013."
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Facing 28 Years In Prison
According to the complaint, On Feb. 18, 2013, Weinstein allegedly went to a hotel and raped a woman after pushing his way inside her room. The next evening, the defendant is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a hotel suite in Beverly Hills.
Weinstein was charged with FOUR felonies including, one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.
The disgraced film producer is currently in a New York courtroom as his sexual assault trial gets underway. So, he will not be arraigned in Los Angeles until his case in New York is resolved.
Charged With 4 New Sex Crimes
Prosecutors are asking to set Harvey's bail at $5 million. If convicted of the crimes, Weinstein faces up to 28 years in state prison.
The DA issues an arrest warrant for Weinstein, and prosecutors say they are in touch with New York to decide if he will be remanded into custody or remain out on his current $2 million bail.
Weinstein faces five charges, including rape and predatory sexual assault in New York, the case involves encounters with two women several years apart.
Criminal Case Remains Under Investigation
"We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them," District Attorney Lacey said.
She continued, "I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them. It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward."
In a statement, the DA says "the case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation."
Asking For Other Victims To Come Forward...
Prosecutors held a press conference in Los Angeles and stated they believed Weinstein used his position of power in the entertainment business to gain access and commit these crimes.
The group, including the LAPD and BHPD, also asked the public to come forward if they have any information on the case, or if any victim is out there who hasn't reported a crime of a similar nature.
