July 01, 2015
An investigation into decades-old rape allegations against comedian Bill Cosby in Atlantic City has been terminated. The decision was made after the Atlantic County prosecutor found that the charges predate New Jersey's removal of a statute of limitations in cases of rape.
RELATED STORY: Cosby's lawyer says revealing court documents would cause 'embarrassment'
The allegations, brought to light in May by actress Lili Bernard, went "far beyond the applicable statute of limitations," said Atlantic County prosecutor Ed Jacobs, who represents Bill Cosby in New Jersey, The Press of Atlantic City reports.
Bernard has claimed that Cosby drugged and raped her in the early nineties, making threatening remarks that left her fearful for her life during their last encounter in 1992. She was interviewed for more than five hours by Atlantic City police and presented officials with evidence against Cosby at that time, according to her attorney, Gloria Allred.
Since the allegations refer to an incident prior to the lifting of New Jersey's statute of limitations on rape in 1996, the case will not proceed as the current law is not retroactive.
More than 40 women have come forward with allegations against Cosby dating back to the 1960s, ranging from unwanted advances and sexual assault to rape and defamation. While some of Cosby's accusers have reached settlements out of court, the entertainer best known for his role on "The Cosby Show" has never been criminally charged.
