Bill Cosby was released on a $1 million bail after he was charged in a Pennsylvania courtroom for drugging and sexually assaulting a Canadian woman at his home 12 years ago.
Cosby, who was arraigned on the charge on Wednesday in Elkins Park, was fingerprinted and photographed at a police station nearby before he was released. He was also asked to surrender his passport. Cosby's next court hearing was set for January 14, 2016.
The comedian has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand. This was the first criminal case brought against the actor amidst a slew of other allegations from other women who said he had drugged and assaulted them.
If Cosby is convicted, the entertainer could face five to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 US fine.Cosby, who earned a good guy image when he played Dr. Cliff Huxtable on the Cosby Show, was accused of plying Andrea Constand, former Temple University employee, with pills and wine before he sexually assaulted her while she was drifting in and out of consciousness and can't resist or cry out.
According to Montgomery County District Attorney-elect Kevin Steele, Constand was "frozen, paralyzed, unable to move." Steele also further mentioned that the actor has "admitted giving quaaludes to women he wanted to have sex with."
Under oath, Cosby acknowledged that he had sexual contact with Constand but that it was consensual.
Cosby's lawyer Monique Pressley said "Make no mistake: We intend to mount a vigorous defence against this unjustified charge, and we expect that Mr. Cosby will be exonerated by a court of law."
Cosby is facing other legal problems which includes defamation and sex-abuse lawsuits filed in Massachusetts, Los Angeles and Pennsylvania. The arraignment was said to be "the best Christmas present" to the 29 women who are clients of Gloria Allred in Los Angeles. Allred is representing the 29 women in civil lawsuits against the actor.
Allred said that in Pennsylvania, "there is now a journey to justice in the felony case filed against Mr. Cosby. I am very happy that this day has come."Prosecutors have reopened the case over the summer as new evidence was unsealed in the woman's related civil case and dozens of other women came forward with similar accusations.