Bill Cosby Arraigned on Sex Assault Charge, Remains Free on $1 Million Bail

Bill Cosby has been arraigned and will remain free on $1 million bail after being charged with sexual assault  in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

The charge stems from claims made by former Temple University employee Andrea Constand, who alleges that she was assaulted in 2004. Constand had previously sued Cosby, but settled that suit with the comedian.

On Wednesday, Cosby was charged with criminal sexual assault. Kevin Steele, the district attorney-elect in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania, said Cosby faces a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault.

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Though the statute of limitations for such a charge is 12 years, the new prosecutor reopened the case this summer. Evidence stemming from Constand’s related civil case will be used, and similar allegations from dozens of purported Cosby victims was also weighed in the decision making, Steele said Wednesday.

In the past year, the 78-year-old comedian has been accused of rape or sexual assault by dozens of women. In addition to the criminal charge filed Wednesday, Cosby faces multiple lawsuits from his accusers. The comedian has also faced a number of career setbacks, such as NBC shelving a comedy project that it was developing for the comedian, and Netflix postponing a Cosby special.

Cosby’s former attorney, Martin Singer, has denied the charge against the comedian in the past.

Cosby’s next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14.