Harvey Weinstein extradited to face sexual assault charges in California

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood producer and convicted rapist, was transported Tuesday from New York to Los Angeles to face sexual assault charges in California, according to multiple reports.

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A judge last month ordered that Weinstein be extradited despite efforts from his attorneys, who pointed to issues with the 69-year-old’s health, including a loss of eyesight, according to The Associated Press.

“We will be fighting so that Harvey can receive his needed medical care and of course, so that he can be treated fairly,” Juda Engelmayer, a spokesperson for Weinstein, told the AP. “Due process, presumption of innocence and a fair trial are all still his right.”

Weinstein is accused of sexually assaulting five women in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills between 2004 and 2013. He faces 11 charges, including rape and forcible oral copulation.

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Weinstein has denied the allegations, CNN reported.

Under California law, authorities are required to begin Weinstein’s trial within 120 days of his extradition, according to The Los Angeles Times. One of his attorneys told the newspaper that they expected Weinstein to be arraigned as soon as Wednesday.

At attorney for one of Weinstein’s accusers praised the decision to transfer Weinstein in a statement obtained by the AP.

“The opportunity to hold Weinstein accountable for his actions in California gives voice to the survivors including my client, Jane Doe 4,” attorney Elizabeth Fegan said in the statement. “They deserve to be heard and to have Weinstein answer for his actions. Our hope is that a guilty verdict in California will ensure that Harvey Weinstein will spend the rest of his life behind bars -- securing justice for women everywhere.”

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Weinstein was convicted in February 2020 of rape and committing a criminal sex act in New York City and later sentenced to 23 years in prison. He has been serving his sentence at the Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, N.Y., the Times reported.

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