As satisfying as it may have been to see disgraced ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein taking a handcuffed perp walk shortly before he was formally charged with rape back in May, there’s also the fact that he posted bail with a $1 million cashier’s check afterwards. As we all should know by now, the wealthy and powerful operate within a different system than the rest of us, and many have feared that Weinstein would see minimal jail time (or no jail time at all) for his crimes.
Now, however, the Manhattan D.A.’s office has indicted Weinstein on three additional counts—one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree, and two counts of predatory sexual assault—that could put him away for life. The charges, which stem from an incident in July 2006 where Weinstein allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on a woman, are Class A-II felonies, more serious charges than the ones Weinstein already faces. Each count carries a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison, should Weinstein be convicted.
And there may be more charges yet to come. The D.A.’s office is still encouraging victims to come forward, saying in a statement from D.A. Cy Vance:
A Manhattan Grand Jury has now indicted Harvey Weinstein on some of the most serious sexual offenses that exist under New York’s Penal Law. This indictment is the result of the extraordinary courage exhibited by the survivors who have come forward. Our investigation continues. If you are a survivor of the predatory abuse with which Mr. Weinstein is charged, there is still time to pursue justice. Please call us at 212-335-9373.