Harvey Weinstein convicted on rape and sexual assault charges
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(JTA) — Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein was found guilty Monday on two counts of rape and sexual assault, but was acquitted on more serious charges.
A New York State Supreme Court jury found Weinstein, 67, guilty of a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. He was acquitted of the more serious charge of first-degree rape, and of the most serious charges in the case, two counts of predatory sexual assault.
Weinstein appeared unmoved as the verdict was read in the Manhattan courtroom, The New York Times reported. He had pleaded not guilty and said that any sexual activity was consensual.
His defense team has already launched the appeals process, Deadline reported, citing sources.
Weinstein still faces charges in a separate case in Los Angeles. His indictment in that case was announced on the first day of his Manhattan trial.
Weinstein faces a maximum of 25 years in prison on the charge of sexually assaulting production assistant Miriam Haley at his Soho apartment on July 10, 2006. He was convicted of third-degree rape against Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress who accused him of assaulting her at a DoubleTree Hotel in New York on March 18, 2013.
Six women testified at trial that he had sexually assaulted them, though Weinstein was charged with crimes in connection with only two. The others were allowed to testify to establish a pattern of behavior.
Dozens of women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct that took place over decades, including actresses such as Rosanna Arquette, Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The post Harvey Weinstein convicted on rape and sexual assault charges appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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