Adult-film performer Ron Jeremy indicted on 34 counts of sexual assault
Adult-film performer Ron Jeremy on Wednesday was indicted on more than 30 counts of sexual assault against 21 victims, according to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department obtained by The Hill.
The 68-year-old, identified in court documents as Ron Jeremy Hyatt, pleaded not guilty to all allegations, which date back to 1996.
He now faces 34 counts of various sex crimes, including a dozen counts of forcible rape, two counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious or asleep person and one count each of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 or 15. Jeremy's alleged victims range from 15 to 51 years old.
"Far too often, survivors of sexual assault suffer in isolation," Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón (D) said in the statement. "We must ensure that survivors have all options available to help with recovery, including trauma-informed services for healing and support to report such crimes."
The indictment, originally filed in June 2020, was returned on Aug. 19 and was not opened until Wednesday.
Jeremy's defense attorney, Stuart Goldfarb, said he believes the indictment was part of an attempt by prosecutors to keep the names a secret and create an unjust case for Jeremy.
"You're entitled to know who the victims are," he said, according to
NBC News.
Court documents detail the allegations, including the rape of a 17-year-old at home, the rape of a 19-year-old at a photoshoot and the sexual assault of a 15-year-old. Jeremy has reportedly maintained his innocence and denied all allegations.
The case is still under investigation, but NBC noted that Jeremy could face more than 300 years behind bars.
Jeremy is due back to court on Oct. 12 and remains in custody on a $6.6 million bail.
