NEW YORK, May 31 -- Movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on charges of rape and criminal sex act by a New York City grand jury.
It is the first criminal case to arise from a range of sexual misconduct allegations against the 66-year-old film producer.
Wednesday's indictment brings Weinstein "another step closer to accountability" for alleged attacks on two women in New York, said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in a statement. "The defendant's recent assault on the integrity of the survivors and the legal process is predictable."
Weinstein's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said he would defend against the indictment and called the allegations "unsupported." Brafman added that Weinstein strongly denies the charges.
Weinstein was arraigned last week on the same charges, about seven months after women began to allege sexual misconduct by the Hollywood producer. Dozens of women have accused him of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to assault in various locales.
Weinstein remains free after posting a 1-million-U.S.-dollar cash bail and is due back in court on July 30.
A temporary order of protection has been granted by the court on behalf of an alleged victim in the case.
Investigations for alleged sex crimes involving Weinstein is underway in Los Angeles and London.