Author: Richard Winton / Source: latimes.com
In a move that increases the likelihood Harvey Weinstein will face criminal charges, federal prosecutors in New York have opened an investigation into whether the disgraced Hollywood producer’s alleged acts of sexual abuse violated federal laws, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The U.S. attorney’s office of the Southern District of New York has begun investigating Weinstein, seeking to examine whether the mogul lured or induced women to travel across state lines for purposes of committing sexual crimes, said the sources, who were not authorized to comment publicly.
“Mr. Weinstein has always maintained that he has never engaged in nonconsensual sexual acts,” said his attorneys Blair Berk and Benjamin Brafman in a statement.
As part of their case, prosecutors are said to be using a 1910 law known as the Mann Act, which was intended to combat debauchery and prostitution.
“This isn’t a frequently used law. The Mann Act is about transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes,” said Laurie Levenson, a Loyola law professor and former federal prosecutor of the early 20th century law. “It is really a reach … it is back…
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