Harvey Weinstein, the former movie mogul, will continue to be held in custody in New York as he awaits retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in Manhattan. This decision was confirmed by prosecutors on Monday during a brief court appearance related to California's extradition request.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that after the conclusion of the New York case, Weinstein will be extradited to California to serve his existing 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction there. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warrant for Weinstein to remain in New York until the resolution of his case in New York County.
Weinstein, who maintains his innocence, 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 due to procedural errors in the original trial.
The retrial in Manhattan is tentatively scheduled for November. Weinstein, now 72 years old, appeared in Queens criminal court briefly, with one hand cuffed to his wheelchair. His lawyers agreed that he will stay at Rikers Island jail complex, where he returned after a recent hospitalization for health issues, including COVID-19 and pneumonia.
The extradition proceedings are being held in Queens due to its proximity to Rikers Island. Prosecutors in Manhattan have indicated their intention to bring new sexual assault charges against Weinstein, but details and a timeline for these potential charges have not been provided.
Weinstein's defense attorney, Arthur Aidala, has raised concerns about the strength of the current case in light of prosecutors' mention of new accusers. The legal proceedings continue as Weinstein remains in custody, awaiting further developments in both New York and California.
