NEW YORK - The Manhattan district attorney on Tuesday announced new criminal charges against film producer Harvey Weinstein, accusing him of sexually assaulting a third woman in addition to the two mentioned in earlier charges.

The new indictment accuses Weinstein of forcing himself on a woman in July 2006. The new charges, which include predatory sexual assault, carry a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, according to the office of District Attorney Cyrus Vance.

Weinstein, 66, once one of Hollywood's most powerful filmmakers, has pleaded not guilty to the first set of charges and has denied ever having non-consensual sex. His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, could not be reached immediately for comment.

Vance issued a statement about the new charges saying, "This indictment is the result of the extraordinary courage exhibited by the survivors who have come forward. Our investigation continues."

More than 70 women - mostly young actresses and women in other aspects of the movie business - have accused the Miramax film studio's co-founder of sexual misconduct, including rape, in a series of incidents dating back decades. The accusations gave rise to the #MeToo movement, which has seen hundreds of women publicly accusing powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse.

Weinstein has been free on a $1 million bail after surrendering in May to face the first set of charges, which came after a months long investigation by the New York Police Department. - Reuters