California

Rose McGowan Drug Possession Case Going to Grand Jury

Authorities say cocaine was found in a wallet McGowan accidentally left behind on a flight to Dulles International Airport in January 2017

A Virginia judge found probable cause Thursday in a drug possession charge against actress Rose McGowan.

The case now moves to a grand jury in June.

McGowan has sought to have the charges against her dismissed, suggesting the drugs may have been planted by agents hired by disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Her defense says no evidence links her to the drugs.

"It is a matter of public record that she has been the subject of a vicious vilification campaign at the hands of Mr. Weinstein," human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson said. "He hired ex-intelligence officers to infiltrate her life and undermine her credibility."

Authorities say cocaine was found in a wallet McGowan accidentally left behind on a flight to Dulles International Airport in January 2017, when she came to the area to participate in the Women's March.

The plane's cleaning crew testified Thursday to finding a wallet with McGowan's California driver's license and two plastic baggies containing a white, powdery substance. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority investigators say the substance was cocaine. 

After a two-hour hearing Thursday, the judge sided with prosecutors, refusing to throw out the charges and moving closer to trial.

“The evidence speaks for itself,” special prosecutor Paul Ebert said.

McGowan's defense says they're ready with strong evidence.

“We still have a lot of faith in the justice system and we have a lot of faith in 12 citizens of Virginia,” defense attorney Jessica Carmichael said.

McGowan was among the first actresses to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault. Weinstein has denied rape allegations. McGowan and others say Weinstein aggressively sought to discredit his accusers.

"Virginia didn't do this," McGowan said. "I know who did this."

An earlier hearing was postponed when prosecutors said a snowstorm prevented their witnesses from showing up.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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