Urgent Update: Harvey found Guilty!!!!
However he got away with most serious charges
The jury has finally issued it’s verdict on “Casting Couch Harvey”. Prosecutors and watchers were slightly scared as deliberations ran longer than normal. They began to wonder if Harvey was too influential to fall and that the jury might acquit. However, good news for his victims, he was found guilty on two counts.
Criminal sexual act in the 1st degree
Rape in the 3rd degree
Both range in sentencing of up to 29 years. At 67 years old, this would mean that Harvey might serve until he is 96 if sentenced for the full term. This is interesting because the jury was made up of seven men and five women. Women traditionally vote in favor of guilty when they often sympathize with victims of rape but men usually do not always convict. However, he was acquitted on the most serious of charges two counts of predatory sexual assault which would have guaranteed life in prison.
Judge James Burke immediately ordered Weinstein sent to jail until sentencing, albeit to the infirmary after his lawyers stated he needed medical help. Does anyone smell an appeal in the works? Or at the very least a lenient sentencing based on age and supposed health issues?
The verdict comes after a very graphic trial and from testimony from two courageous victims. They were furthermore beat up by Harvey’s defense team and even at times laughed at after one victim graphically described Harvey’s anatomy as having no testicles and what appeared to be a vagina like area.
To the victims, the verdict is bitter sweet. They found partial justice but not as much as they wanted. Hopefully it will help them heal knowing he won’t be released until his late 90’s and with his health, he will most likely die in prison. He also was tried in a NY court rather than a Federal court so he will have to face some pretty scary prisoners rather than the lush life of a federal prison.
To Americans, this is also a victory in that one of the most influential studio moguls of our time, who decided the fate of many peoples careers, is now behind bars. To those who supported him over the years like Hillary and Bill Clinton, this is a loss because it exposes them for the enablers of powerful men sexually abusing women.
Additionally, there are many more victims who have come forward but no trials have materialized. Stay tuned as this may not be over yet.
