Bill Cosby’s recent pre-trial meeting has ended with a tentative date for his felony aggravated indecent assault case.
According to USA Today, Judge Steven O’Neill ruled for a June 5, 2017, trial. Cosby’s previous hearing focused on throwing out key evidence in Andrea Constand’s case to prove Cosby’s actions the day of her reported incident. In 2005, Constand claimed she was molested and drugged by Cosby in 2004 when she was a Temple University employee and mentee to the troubled comedian. Before the hearing, prosecutors filed to include 13 testimonies by women who claimed to have either been drugged or assaulted. A total of 50 accusations of sexual assault were heard.
District Attorney Kevin Steele says audio from Cosby’s deposition on the Constand case gives away key details about their encounter. There is also a reported transcript of a recorded conversation between Cosby and Constand’s mother. During the conversation, Cosby discusses sexual acts between himself and her daughter. Cosby’s new lawyer Brian McMonagle, has continued to argue the verbal promise of immunity that was given to Cosby by former District Attorney Bruce Castor after his settlement to Constand.
McMonagle was named Cosby’s new counsel after the departure of Monique Pressley. McMonagle also argued that Cosby’s deteriorating health could affect the trial. O’Neil included that Cosby is blind and can receive any extra accommodation during the trial. The court is expected to hear the defense’s arguments at a later date.