Bill Cosby will not be charged with the alleged sexual assault of a minor, which reportedly took place in the Playboy mansion in 1974.
Among the string of sexual abuse and drugging allegations thrown against the famed comedian, the claim asserted by Judy Huth stood out. According to her, Cosby sexually assaulted her when she was only 15 years old. Her age at the time the comedian reportedly forced her to perform sexual acts with him initially shed hope to the possibility of finally having a case viable enough to sue the actor. This hope, however, was shattered on Tuesday as Los Angeles prosecutors declared the case inadmissible in court due to the statute of limitations.
According to the aforementioned statute, a certain length of time is allotted for a victim to report an alleged crime committed by another. If the victim fails to take legal action within that specified period, then the crime would no longer be entertained by the court. This provisions hindered the prosecutors from pursuing the allegations brought up by Huth earlier this month.
"Given that 40 years have passed since the alleged incident, prosecution (on a misdemeanor count)... is declined due to the expiration of the statute of limitations," explained Deputy District Attorney Victor Rodriguez.
"Even if there was an applicable... charge, the statute of limitations that existed in 1974 for felony sex crimes was three years. Therefore, prosecution today for any potential felony sex crime from 1974 would also be barred," he added.
In earlier statements, the lawyers of Cosby have repeatedly dismissed the accusations as untrue and dishonest claims. To date, there have been nearly 20 women who claim that the comedian sexually assaulted and drugged them. Other reported victims allege that Cosby physically attacked them following their refusal to indulge his sexual advances.