An Erie County judge on Tuesday approved disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's extradition to California, where he faces additional sexual assault charges.
The decision ended a legal fight prolonged by the COVID-19 pandemic, the defense's concerns about Weinstein's failing health and a squabble over paperwork.
Judge Kenneth Case said there was no reason to delay Weinstein's transfer any longer. The judge denied the defense's request to keep Weinstein, 69, at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden - where he's serving a 23-year sentence for a rape conviction last year - until the start of jury selection in the Los Angeles case.
Several sexual assault charges were filed against Weinstein in California during 2020. Los Angeles authorities plan to collect him at the end of June or in early July, giving his lawyer time to appeal.
WBFO's Mark Wozniak contributed to this story.