Summary Los Angeles prosecutors launched a task force this month
(Web Desk) – Police in Los Angeles, New York City and London are working to investigate an ever-growing mass of sexual assault and harassment complaints against powerful men.
Most of the cases stem from claims against disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, although investigators say they’ve also received complaints about other men at society’s upper echelon.
“It’s an international phenomenon,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said when asked about investigations into Weinstein, The Associated Press reported. “These ladies were sexually assaulted, harassed, and they acquired psychological damage, so we have to move very cautiously with anyone who comes in — and that’s what we’re doing.”
Unlike cases involving everyday people, pressure from the media and high-powered lawyers creates new issues for investigators. In addition, many of the recent allegations date back years, sometimes passing the statute of limitations.
Los Angeles police say they have 27 open investigations into entertainment figures, including actor Ed Westwick and agent Tyler Grasham, in addition to Weinstein. The LAPD also has taken more than 30 other reports of sexual misconduct that occurred in other parts of the U.S. and overseas, and referred those cases to other law enforcement agencies.
Los Angeles prosecutors launched a task force this month to evaluate cases that are referred by police for criminal prosecution. But so far no cases have been referred to the district attorney’s office.
