- The Washington Times - Wednesday, February 3, 2016

A judge Wednesday rejected an effort by Bill Cosby to have sex-crime charges against the comedian thrown out prior to trial.

Judge Steven T. O’Neill dismissed claims by Mr. Cosby that a deal the comedian had made with then-Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor granted him perpetual immunity on assault charges in the case of a Temple University employee.

The deal secured Mr. Cosby’s testimony in a civil lawsuit by Andrea Constand over the 2004 incident, in which she accused the comic of drugging her unconscious and sexually abusing her — a pattern alleged by dozens of women in the past couple years.

The damning testimony — which Mr. Castor said no sane person would give if he feared criminal charges — became part of a criminal case being brought by the current Montgomery County prosecutor.

The case now enters the usual criminal-justice process, with a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is a plausible case against the comedian. Mr. Cosby could get 10 years in prison if convicted.

• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.

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