NEW YORK- Manhattan District attorney Cyrus Vance said that movie producer Harvey Weinstein was indicted on rape charges of rape and criminal act, this is the first case from a many allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein.
Vance said in a statement about the charges against the disgraced film producer, “This indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged.”
The grand jury indictment follows after the Weinstein handed himself in last Friday,when the charges were brought that related to two charges out of the 70 women who have accused him of sexual assault.
Weinstein has denied all the allegations against, saying any sexual encounter was consensual.
Vance said the charges of rape are in the first and third degrees and a criminal sexual act in the first degree.
The head of Weinstein legal team, Ben Brafman said his client will plead not guilty and will defend himself against the charges. If Weinstein is found guilty on the most serious charges he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Brafman said in a statement after the indictment, “Mr. Weinstein intends to enter a plea of not guilty and vigorously defend against these unsupported allegations that he strongly denies,”
“We will soon formally move to dismiss the indictment and if this case actually proceeds to trial, we expect Mr. Weinstein to be acquitted.”
Photo Credit- Reuters
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