4 Nov 2017

NY police to seek Weinstein rape arrest warrant

12:29 pm on 4 November 2017

The New York City Police Department has a credible narrative and is gathering evidence for an arrest warrant on Harvey Weinstein, it says.

Film producer Harvey Weinstein

Film producer Harvey Weinstein Photo: AFP

The department said on Friday it had a credible narrative from an unidentified woman who had made a rape allegation against the Hollywood producer.

New York City Police Department deputy chief of detectives Robert Boyce told a news conference that the woman had "put forth a credible and detailed narrative."

"We have an actual case here," Mr Boyce said. He said the police department became aware of the accusation on October 25.

Mr Boyce said police had spoken to the woman and "we found corroboration along the way."

He said it was a seven-year-old case and "we have to move forward gathering evidence."

More than 60 women have claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades.

Mr Boyce said that because Mr Weinstein was out of state, the police department would need a court-ordered warrant for any arrest.

Mr Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.

Reuters requests for comment from Weinstein's representative and his lawyer were not immediately answered.

Mr Boyce said the NYPD was working on the case with the Manhattan district attorney's office.

"Right now he [Weinstein] poses no threat to anybody in New York City. He's out of state. So it's a continuing investigation."

A spokeswoman for the Manhattan District Attorney said earlier on Friday that a senior sex crimes prosecutor was assigned to the investigation and the office had been working with the NYPD since the new allegations came to light.

Police in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and London have also said they are investigating sexual assault allegations against Weinstein but no charges have been brought against him.

- Reuters / BBC

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