Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey has set up a task force of veteran prosecutors to handle the onslaught of sexual abuse allegations in the entertainment industry.
Lacey made the announcement Thursday, adding that her office has not yet received any cases from law enforcement for criminal filing.
Since sexual abuse accusations emerged against Harvey Weinstein on Oct. 5, the industry has been flooded over the past month with similar allegations against such high-profile figures as Brett Ratner, Kevin Spacey, James Toback, Louis C.K. and more.
“In response to the widespread allegations of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, I have established a task force of specially trained deputy district attorneys who are ready to evaluate these cases if any are referred to my office for criminal prosecution,” Lacey said. “I have assigned the group of veteran sex crimes, prosecutors, to work together to ensure a uniformed approach to the legal review and possible prosecution of any case that meets both the legal and factual standards for criminal prosecution.”
The office has handled prosecution and extradition of filmmaker Roman Polanski, who pleaded guilty in 1977 to statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, for four decades. Thursday’s announcement said the office is in touch with local law enforcement agencies.
“To date, we have not received any cases from law enforcement for possible criminal filing,” Lacey said. “We are in communication with the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments.”
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