After months of speculation, Harvey Weinstein now moves one step closer to conviction and possible jail time for his alleged crimes.
In a statement released late last night, New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance indicted Harvey Weinstein on first- and third-degree rape charges, as well as one criminal sex act charge, involving two women from New York. The status of cases beyond the city, i.e. Los Angeles and London, are not yet known and it's possible that further charges may be brought by local judiciary there.
In a statement, DA Vance said that the "indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged." Weinstein is accused of forcing one woman to perform oral sex on him on one occasion between June and September 2004, whilst the alleged rape of another woman took place in March 2013.
Weinstein's attorney, Benjamin Brafman, released a statement shortly after the indictment where he said he plans to "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," said Brafman. Weinstein posted a cash bail of $1 million and his next court date is set for July 30th.
