Harvey Weinstein arrives at a Manhattan courthouse during jury deliberations in his rape trial, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 11:20 AM PT — Monday, February 24, 2020
Harvey Weinstein faces up to 25 years behind bars after being convicted on two counts related to sexual assault. A New York jury found Weinstein guilty of a criminal sex act and third-degree rape on Monday. He was found not guilty on three other charges, including the most serious of predatory sexual assault.
The disgraced movie mogul was immediately taken into custody after the verdict was read and the judge ordered he be held without bail.
#BREAKING: Harvey Weinstein is found guilty of 3rd degree rape related to Jessica Mann & guilty of 1st degree criminal sexual assault related to Miriam Haley.
He faces up to 25 years in prison.
— Jennifer Franco (@jennfranconews) February 24, 2020
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said he hopes the verdict in Weinstein’s case inspires more survivors to come forward. In a press conference following Weinstein’s conviction, Vance noted that “rape is rape.”
The Manhattan attorney went on to say the jury’s verdict shows the justice system is on survivors side, no matter what the court of public opinion may say. He also praised the survivors who showed “decorum” during their testimonies.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., exits the courtroom after a verdict in the Harvey Weinstein rape trial, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in New York. Vance spoke outside the courtroom shortly after a jury convicted Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. The jury found him not guilty of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
“Harvey Weinstein has finally been held accountable for crimes he committed…the women who came forward courageously and at great risk made that happen,” Vance stated. “Weinstein is a vicious serial sexual predator who used his power to threaten, rape, assault, trick, humiliate and silences victims.”
Vance also said he was not disappointed that the sex offender could receive a minimum sentence of as little as five years in prison. Weinstein is set to be sentenced on March 11 and is also facing additional charges in California.
