Harvey Weinstein charged with a new count of sexual assault
10 April 2020, 19:41
The fallen film producer, who is serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in new York, is alleged to have attacked a woman at a Beverly Hills hotel in May 2010, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Weinstein had already been charged with one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.
Prosecutors have now added one felony count of sexual battery by restraint.
"We are continuing to build and strengthen our case," Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said.
"As we gather corroborating evidence, we have reached out to other possible sexual assault victims. If we find new evidence of a previously unreported crime, as we did here, we will investigate and determine whether additional criminal charges should be filed."
"We are continuing to build and strengthen our case," Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said.
"As we gather corroborating evidence, we have reached out to other possible sexual assault victims.
"If we find new evidence of a previously unreported crime, as we did here, we will investigate and determine whether additional criminal charges should be filed."
Prosecutors also announced that two cases involving Weinstein were declined for prosecution because the victims did not want to give evidence.
The latest charge alleged he assaulted a woman at a Beverly Hills hotel on May 11 2010.
The alleged victim was first interviewed by police in October 2019 as a possible corroborating witness in the case, prosecutors said.
Last month, she provided evidence to detectives confirming the alleged assault took place within California's 10-year-statute of limitation.
The original criminal complaint charged Weinstein with sexually assaulting two women during separate incidents in 2013.
If convicted as charged in the amended complaint, he faces up to 29 years in state prison.
The Los Angeles district attorney launched the extradition process to bring Weinstein, 68, to California from New York in March.
It is unknown when Weinstein, once one of Hollywood's most powerful figures, will be transferred to Los Angeles.