Harvey Weinstein charged with rape, sexual battery in Los Angeles over 2013 allegations

Shortly after the first day of Harvey Weinstein's New York sex crimes trial concluded, the disgraced movie mogul was indicted in Los Angeles on similar charges. 

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced Monday that Weinstein has been charged with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over two days in 2013. 

Weinstein, 67, was charged with one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.

An arraignment will be scheduled for a later date.

USA TODAY has reached out to Weinstein's lawyers for comment.

“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,” Lacey said in a statement. “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.”
 

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.

Prosecutors are recommending bail be set at $5 million. If convicted, Weinstein faces up to 28 years in state prison.

In the application for $5 million bail, Deputy District Attorney Paul Thompson argued Weinstein is a flight risk in part because of his wealth, having recently sold $55 million in real estate. He said Weinstein also remains under investigation for sex crimes elsewhere, including in London and in Dublin.

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