Weinstein fights sex trafficking claims
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers are arguing against the sex trafficking claims of an actress the disgraced movie-making mogul says is trying to capitalize on the legal successes of other women.
The lawyers filed papers Friday in federal court in Manhattan to try to toss out the trafficking claims made by Wedil David.
David’s lawsuit says Weinstein raped her in late 2015 after using the promise of a role in a television show to lure her to a hotel.
The latest Weinstein filing in the 2017 lawsuit asks a judge to reject the sex trafficking claims, saying David added them only because other women had done so and judges ruled favorably.
The lawyers urged a judge to stop “the further improper expansion of the laws against human trafficking.”
The Associated Press does not usually identify people alleging sexual assault, but David has spoken publicly about her claims.
Jury finds man guilty of Newton break-ins
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada jury found a 22-year-old state prison inmate guilty of burglarizing the mansion of “Mr. Las Vegas” entertainer Wayne Newton twice in June 2018, and of trying to break into a neighboring home.
Weslie Hosea Martin didn’t testify during trial and didn’t visibly react Friday to the verdict.
He had previous burglary-related and firearms convictions and faces up to life behind bars as a habitual criminal for his convictions in the Newton case.
Sentencing is Aug. 15.
Newton, his wife Kathleen McCrone Newton, and their 17-year-old daughter testified Tuesday about encountering two burglars fleeing their home a year ago.
The Newtons weren’t in the courtroom for the verdict.
Martin’s public defenders, Will Ewing and Chris Peterson, had told the jury he was accused of crimes he did not commit.
‘Fixer Upper’ couple plans development
WACO, Texas (AP) — Former “Fixer Upper” hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines have introduced a $10.4 million plan to expand on the popular shops they operate in their Texas hometown of Waco.
The Waco Tribune-Herald reports there will be a new “retail village” at the Magnolia Market at the Silos featuring more shops, a relocated historic church, a whiffle ball field and other attractions.
Construction is already underway on a portion of the development in downtown Waco. Magnolia draws an estimated 30,000 visitors a week.
The plan submitted to the city envisions the project as an “economic catalyst” for Waco.
The couple was made famous by HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” home improvement show, which ended last year.
It was announced in April that the Gaineses will launch their own Discovery-affiliated television network next summer.
