Harvey Weinstein indicted on new sex crimes charges in LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new sex crime charges in Los Angeles, just as his trial on separate rape and sexual assault charges in New York was poised to get underway, prosecutors announced Monday.

The Hollywood mogul has been charged with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a news release.

“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.”

Weinstein allegedly raped a woman in a hotel room on February 18, 2013, after he pushed his way inside her room, prosecutors said.

The next night, he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in a Beverly Hills hotel suite.

That woman is expected to testify at Weinstein’s trial in New York.

Weinstein faces up to 28 years in state prison if he is convicted of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.

His arraignment has not yet been scheduled and prosecutors will recommend $5 million bail.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to comment on the new charges.

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