News

Actions

Cosby sexual assault case can proceed, judge rules

Posted at 11:33 PM, Apr 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-25 23:33:01-04

A superior court in Pennsylvania rejected Bill Cosby’s appeal and lifted a hold on criminal trial proceedings, paving the way for the sexual assault case to move forward in county court.

The comedian’s lawyers had argued in February that a previous deal with a former district attorney barred him from criminal prosecution. A judge ruled prosecutors could go forward with the case, and Cosby’s lawyers appealed that ruling.

A stay, or hold, was put on the proceedings pending the ruling on the motion to reject the appeal, which was lifted Monday.

In a statement released after the judge’s ruling Monday, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said the case can now move on to a preliminary hearing, and that his office is looking forward to presenting the case.

Cosby’s attorneys had no comment on the ruling.

Cosby faces felony charges in the 2004 alleged sexual assault of former Temple University employee Andrea Constand.

The district attorney says evidence from recently unsealed portions of a civil deposition from 2005-2006 involving Constand warrant charges. The civil case was settled on undisclosed terms.