Bill Cosby, the American entertainer who has been subject of numerous sexual assault allegations over the past ten years, will stand trial for felony indecent assault over a 2004 case involving Andrea Constand, an employee at his alma mater, Temple University.
Constand alleges that in 2004, Cosby invited her back to his home and drugged her with two pills. after which she was sexually assaulted.
Cosby has faced a number of allegations in recent years, many of which apparently happened long ago, thus making it difficult to get past the statute of limitations and prosecute him. Constand was the first of more than 50 women to come forward and accuse Cosby of misconduct and assault.
A Pennsylvania judge found that there was enough evidence to go to trial. If convincted, Cosby could face up to 30 years in prison.
At the July arraignment, Cosby will not have to appear. Judge says “goodluck to you, sir.” He replies: “Thank you.”
— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) May 24, 2016
Cosby’s team dismissed the claims, as they have in the past. “The evidence presented today was evidence of nothing. They had 12 years to bring an accuser to confront Mr. Cosby. They chose not to,” defense attorney Brian McMonagle said.
The Constand case ended initially in 2006 with a civil settlement between the parties, but was reopened after new evidence came up – including a whole array of other accusers with similar stories about assault as Cosby’s hands. Cosby was charged in December, but now it is clear that this is going to trial.
More than 50 women have accused Cosby. It is likely that many of these cases will not result in charges. Cosby continues to fight defamation suits across the country thanks to his repeated assertions that the women who have accused him are liars.
Source: CNN.
Photo: Getty Images.
