Harvey Weinstein Indicted in Los Angeles on 11 Sexual Assault Charges

Disgraced movie mogul and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein is being indicted in Los Angeles on 11 more charges of sexual assault.

The 69-year-old appeared before a judge on the Erie county court through video from the Wende correctional facility, near Buffalo.

Weinstein has been petitioning in Manhattan his February 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting Mimi Haleyi (former production assistant), and raping Jessica Mann (former aspiring actor.)

Weinstein’s attorney Norman Effman disclosed the news at an extradition hearing for the former producer in Erie County on Monday.

Although still under seal, Effman said the accusation is “very similar to the original felony complaint but not identical” since one of the charges was “changed somewhat, narrowing the time period.” A spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office refused to make any comments.

Weinstein’s extradition to L.A. encountered another delay after Effman successfully petitioned that he be provided time to file a writ of habeas corpus due to an absent signature on some paperwork.

Effman also contended that Weinstein’s health was a prohibiting element in extraditing the former producer to L.A. to start his separate criminal trial there.

“He is almost technically blind at this point and is in need of surgery. We also brought his other medical issues to California’s attention, including his cardiac issues, his back issues, his sleep apnea. The medications he’s on all require intensive medical treatment.”

Norman Effman

While continuing, Effman said,

“Look, the reality is that Mr. Weinstein is serving a 23-year term in a maximum-security facility in New York State. We know he’s not going anywhere, we know he’s available for whatever proceedings are necessary in California. This is not a case with a fugitive who can make bail.”

Norman Effman

The conviction of Weinstein was regarded as a watershed moment in the #MeToo movement. The movement was started against sexual abuse and harassment by men like Weinstein who held powerful jobs and influence.

“These are stale, unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, uncredible allegations that arose during the hysteria of the #MeToo movement,” Weinstein’s criminal defense lawyer Mark Werksman said. “We’re confident that Mr. Weinstein will be acquitted because there’s no credible evidence against him. He’s innocent.“

Weinstein’s next extradition hearing is slated for April 30. In Los Angeles, he is indicted with 11 felony charges, comprising of rape and sexual battery, for five episodes that took place between 2004 and 2013. If condemned, he faces up to 140 years to life in prison.