Cosby Charged With Felony Sexual Assault

Two weeks ago Bill Cosby tried to wrest back control of the sexual assault allegations against him by filing lawsuits against seven of his accusers. Now he's back on the defensive after a Pennsylvania prosecutor announced that the entertainer would be charged for a 2004 incident, the AP reports. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele spoke at a press conference Wednesday morning and said Cosby—more specifically, William Henry Cosby—will be charged with felony aggravated indecent assault; he added that Cosby's attorney has been notified and that Cosby will be arraigned in Elkins Park later Wednesday, per CNN. The case revolves around Andrea Constand, who says Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her at his Elkins Park home in January 2004, reports People. Cosby maintains the relationship was consensual.

People notes that the statute of limitations for Constand's case runs out in January, which lines up with the DA's assertion that the statute of limitations for this case is 12 years. Steele noted that after learning the statute of limitations hadn't run out, authorities re-interviewed witnesses and examined new evidence that came to light in July of this year. He added that Constand said Cosby made two advances toward her, which she rejected, before the incident brought up in this case. In that incident, Constand says Cosby gave her pills and wine, which rendered her unable to move or respond, and at which time Cosby assaulted her, Steele said. Steele also noted in the presser that Constand had indicated she'd cooperate with authorities if this case proceeds. "Obviously we appreciate the expression of confidence in her," one of her attorneys tells People. "We hope justice will be done. We will cooperate fully." (More Bill Cosby stories.)