The flood of sexual assault allegations coming out of the Hollywood entertainment industry has the Los Angeles Police Department negotiating uncharted territory. Sexual assault vs. lewd actsTwo main types of crimes have been alleged: criminal sexual assault such as rape, and the lesser crime of lewd acts such as unwanted touching or masturbation. Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Police Department headquarters downtown. Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times LAPD Chief Charlie Beck LAPD Chief Charlie Beck (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)Numerous investigationsLegal experts said even incidents that occurred beyond the statute of limitations have potential value. I believe a judge would let them testify if Weinstein is charged with a sexual assault," said Dmitry Gorin, a former L.A. County sex crimes prosecutor.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 22, 2017 19:21 UTC