Eric Weinberg, a writer-producer known for his work on television series such as Scrubs and Californication, is set to face trial on 28 charges of sexual assault and rape, per ew.com. These charges stem from accusations made by eight anonymous women, alleging abuse that occurred between 2014 and 2019. The charges include three counts of forcible rape, along with multiple counts of forcible oral copulation, sexual battery and sexual penetration by force.
If convicted, Weinberg could face multiple life sentences.
Variety reported Tuesday that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo, who presided over the high-profile rape case against Danny Masterson, dismissed four additional charges against Weinberg. Three of these charges were dropped due to the statute of limitations, and the fourth was dismissed for insufficient evidence. Despite these dismissals, Weinberg still faces serious legal jeopardy from the remaining charges.
Weinberg has been in custody since October 22, 2022, after a judge revoked his bail, which had previously been set at $5 million. The judge cited the numerous allegations against him as indicative of a pattern of behaviour, suggesting that Weinberg “cannot stop and will not stop his sexual assaults on women.” Weinberg, who was initially arrested in July 2022 and released on a $3.225 million bail, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During a preliminary hearing that spanned from late April to early May, nine women testified about their experiences with Weinberg. According to Variety, many of these women recounted similar stories of being approached by Weinberg in public places such as coffee shops and grocery stores, where he posed as a photographer seeking models. The women described being invited to Weinberg’s home for photoshoots, which then turned into traumatic sexual encounters.
One woman testified that she feared for her life, stating, “I thought maybe he would attack me, or rape me, or worst-case scenario: death… No one knew where I was. So if something had happened, there would be no trace of me.”
Another woman shared a similar sentiment, expressing fear that Weinberg might kill her during the encounter. Four of the women reported being choked by Weinberg during these interactions.
An arraignment for Weinberg is scheduled for June 4, but a trial date has yet to be set. Representatives for Weinberg and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
•Featured image: Eric Weinberg/Los Angeles Police Department
