Bill Cosby arraigned on sexual assault charges, doesn’t enter plea

Published 2:20 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Bill Cosby was arraigned Wednesday on sexual assault charges in relation to a 2004 accusation. Cosby did not enter a plea, and bail was set at $1 million, according to CNN. A preliminary hearing has been set for January 14. Cosby turned over his passport.

Bill Cosby has been charged with sexual assault in relation to a 2004 accusation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Cosby, whose legacy as a comedian has been tarnished by multiple accusations of sexual assault, faces one felony charge of aggravated indecent assault.

This is the first criminal charge levied against Cosby since the allegations first arose. Cosby has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, according to CNN.com

After looking at all the evidence in the 2004 allegations, prosecutors decided to charge Cosby “because it was the right thing to do,” Montgomery County prosecutor Kevin Steele said.

CNN has reached out to Cosby’s lawyers for comment.

The district attorney did not name the victim, but the accusations he announced parallel the allegations made by former Temple University employee Andrea Constand. She has said Cosby drugged and fondled her in January 2004.

The criminal complaint and Constand’s attorney, Dolores Troiani, confirmed that the criminal charges relate to Constand’s case.