'Scrubs' producer Eric Weinberg to stand trial on rape charges
Veteran Hollywood writer-producer Eric Weinberg, known for his contributions to popular TV shows such as Scrubs, Californication, and Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, has been ordered to stand trial. The 63-year-old faces 28 charges of rape and sexual assault. If convicted, he could be sentenced to multiple life terms. Judge Charlaine Olmedo made the decision after a two-week preliminary hearing in late April and early May.
Testimonies revealed Weinberg's modus operandi
During the preliminary hearing, nine women testified against Weinberg. They shared similar accounts of being approached by him in public places, where he would express interest in their potential for modeling. Many agreed to meet him at his home for photo shoots, which allegedly turned sexual as Weinberg either began "undressing them" or "groped himself." The women were referred to as Jane Does in court proceedings.
'Afraid he was going to kill me': Victims expressed fear
Several victims expressed their fear during the testimonies, recalling their terror when they realized the "photo shoots were a pretext for Weinberg to isolate and sexually assault them." One woman stated, "I was afraid he was going to kill me." Another shared her dread: "I thought maybe he would attack me, or rape me, or worst-case scenario: death...No one knew where I was. So if something had happened there would be no trace of me."
Weinberg's predatory tactics detailed in court
Four women testified that Weinberg "choked" them during the encounters. He met some of these women on professional sites like Model Mayhem and OK Cupid, while others were approached at grocery stores, coffee shops, or even while he was waiting to pick up his child from middle school. The charges against him include three counts of forcible rape, numerous counts of forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by force, and sexual battery.
Judge dismissed four counts, proceeded with the remaining charges
Judge Olmedo dismissed four counts against Weinberg due to three of them falling outside the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence for the fourth. However, she ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial on the remaining 28 charges. These charges involve eight alleged victims from 2014 to 2019. Weinberg has been in jail since October 2022 after his bail was revoked by another judge.
Defense and prosecution clashed over Weinberg's case
Despite a defense request for bail, Judge Olmedo denied it, citing Weinberg's "predatory" behavior and potential risk to the public if released. Weinberg's attorney, Robin Sax, argued for house arrest with an ankle monitor and internet restrictions. "This is not a case of Weinberg hiding in the bushes and jumping out," Sax said, adding, "The idea that the public would be unsafe from some bogeyman out there is just not the case."
Sax mentioned how Weinberg's divorce catalyzed the case
Further, Sax contended that Weinberg's divorce catalyzed the case, suggesting that his ex-wife initiated a custody battle and employed a "private investigator to uncover his alleged infidelities." "Had he stopped fighting the family law case, we probably wouldn't be here in my view," Sax remarked. However, prosecutor Marlene Martinez refuted this claim, highlighting that two women had approached the police in 2014—independent of the custody dispute. Weinberg is scheduled for arraignment on June 4, with no trial date set yet.
