In a recent development, Harvey Weinstein, the former film tycoon, will continue to be held in New York while he awaits a retrial on charges of rape and sexual assault in Manhattan.
This was confirmed by prosecutors during a brief court appearance concerning California's extradition request.
As reported by ABC News, once the New York case is concluded, Weinstein will be transported back to California to serve his existing 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction. This was confirmed by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "Today, defendant Harvey Weinstein was formally arraigned on a governors warrant issued by Governor Kathy Hochul, who exercised her authority for him to remain in New York State until his case in New York County is adjudicated," Katz stated. She further clarified, "He will serve the California sentence first, as it is now his primary sentence.
Weinstein, who has consistently denied allegations of rape and sexual assault, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 while already serving a 23-year sentence in New York. His 2020 conviction in Manhattan was overturned earlier this year by the state's highest court. The court ruled that the judge in the original trial had unjustly permitted testimony against Weinstein based on allegations that were not part of the case. The retrial in Manhattan is tentatively set for November.
Weinstein, 72, appeared in Queens criminal court for a brief period, with one hand cuffed to his wheelchair and the other holding a book and a magazine. His lawyers agreed that he will remain at the nearby Rikers Island jail complex. Weinstein returned to Rikers Island after being hospitalized last month due to health issues, including COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs.
The extradition proceedings are taking place in Queens, rather than Manhattan, due to its closeness to Rikers Island. Last month, Manhattan prosecutors expressed their intention to level new sexual assault charges against Weinstein, although they have not provided further details or a timeline for these potential new charges.
Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's lawyer, previously suggested that the prosecutors' mention of new accusers could indicate weaknesses in their current case. This ongoing saga continues to highlight the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, cornerstones of our justice system.
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