New Cosby accuser could trigger first prosecution

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - A woman who claims Bill Cosby drugged and sexually molested her in 2008 took her case to police Wednesday, said her lawyer, who added that he believes the actor could be prosecuted.

Chloe Goins was 18 at the time of the alleged incident at the Playboy mansion, which could be the first case to fall within the statute of limitations allowing a prosecution to be brought, said lawyer Spencer Kuvin.

"That is up for the police to determine, but we believe that it does fall within the statute for California," Mr Kuvin told AFP, while declining to say how long that statute would be for the alleged offense.

Speaking earlier after accompanying his client to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) headquarters, he told reporters: "Miss Goins and I are here for two reasons - for justice and for accountability.

"Apparently Mr Cosby feels brazen enough and confident enough in his actions to make jokes at some of his shows about the 25-plus women that have now come forward. Miss Goins is certainly not joking," he added.

Miss Goins claims Cosby gave her a drink, then took her to a bedroom where she passed out and later woke up in bed naked with the comedian, who was allegedly licking her toes and masturbating.

Cosby's lawyer has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by the comedian, who has been accused of similar offenses dating back decades by more than 20 women in all.

LAPD spokesman Andy Smith would not comment on the details of the case, or the statute of limitations.

"We will take a report from anybody, and we'll initiate an investigation on any allegations of criminal misconduct," he told reporters, adding: "We're happy to do that, and we will push forward with an investigation on that case."

In December, LA prosecutors declined to charge Cosby over claims he sexually assaulted a woman who said Cosby assaulted her at the Playboy mansion in 1974 when she was 15, because the case was beyond the statute of limitations.

Cosby is famous for his role in The Cosby Show, a popular family sitcom that aired in the 1980s and 1990s.

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