Could L.A. be the next place where Bill Cosby faces assault charges?

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Once called “America’s Dad,” Bill Cosby built a career around his Everyman image; now he’s facing allegations of sexual assault. Here are some of his career and life moments.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Cosby was born on July 12, 1937 and raised in Philadelphia. After being a sports star in high school, he joined the Navy and has been a vocal supporter ever since. Here, he’s shown at a Veterans Day ceremony in 2014. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

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Bill Cosby (pictured in 2010) began his showbiz life as a stand-up comedian in the early 1960s. His wholesome comedy, liked by black and white audiences, was often criticized in comparison with edgy stand-ups like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

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Autumn Jackson claimed to be the daughter of Bill Cosby, but, in a high-profile case, was convicted in 1997 of trying to extort $40 million from the comedian. Cosby had acknowledged a relationship with Jackson’s mother but denied he was the father. (David Karo / Associated Press)

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Tragedy struck in 1997 when Bill Cosby’s son, Ennis, was killed alongside a Los Angeles highway, making national headlines. Mikhail Markhasev confessed to the crime. (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

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The Temple University graduate has long been a supporter of education and is often seen in clothing emblazoned with school names. Here, Cosby addresses graduates of Teachers College at Columbia University in 1998. (Suzanne Plunkett / Associated Press)

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Bill Cosby became a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 1998. He’s pictured with his wife, Camille, as they arrive at the White House for a reception. (Chris Kleponis / AFP)

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Bill Cosby has long been an activist and civil rights proponent, from participating in marches to supporting figures like former South African President Nelson Mandela in human rights causes. (Sasa Kralj / Associated Press)

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Cosby’s love of jazz translated to him serving as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, which he did from 1979 to 2012. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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Several women have claimed that Cosby sexually assaulted them. Though the comedian has denied the allegations, several recent projects and appearances have been dropped or canceled. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

By Richard WintonStaff Writer

Dec. 30, 2015 8:20 AM PT

With Bill Cosby charged Wednesday with sexual assault following accusations that he drugged and abused a woman at his Pennsylvania home 12 years ago, questions have arisen about whether the actor will face criminal charges on similar allegations made against him in Los Angeles.

Numerous women have come forward to say Cosby assaulted them in L.A.

Is the Los Angeles Police Department investigating any of the claims?

They are investigating one.

It involves allegations by a woman who says Cosby assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion in 2008, when she was 18.

Chloe Goins alleges Cosby gave her a drink that caused her to black out. When she awoke, she said, she found herself naked on a bed in the mansion with Cosby biting her toes, with his pants around his ankles, according to her attorney. Cosby’s attorneys have denied the accusations.

In January, Goins, 24, was interviewed for 2 1/2 half hours by an LAPD detective.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said prosecutors were reviewing an investigation by the LAPD regarding an alleged incident in 2008. However, the district attorney’s office did not release the name of the victim in that case.

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Isn’t bringing a case challenging because of the statute of limitations?

Yes.

In most other adult sex-crime cases -- including the type Goins is alleging -- the statute of limitations is generally six years.

But legal experts said there are other reasons for the LAPD to investigate, especially if Cosby is charged with a crime.

California law allows victims to testify as witnesses even if their own cases never result in charges. The evidence is admissible because of a 1996 change in California law that allowed witnesses to prove a pattern of behavior or propensity to commit a crime.

Has this law been used before?

Such supporting witnesses were used in the trial of a Pasadena track coach accused of molesting students and in the case of celebrity fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander. In the Alexander case, six women whose cases did not result in criminal charges testified against him. The designer was convicted of sexually assaulting seven women.

Why is the LAPD investigating?

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck announced in December 2014 that his detectives would investigate any complaints filed with the LAPD against the comedian, even those exceeding the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution.

At the time, LAPD officials said there were many reasons to investigate sexual assault allegations that fall beyond those legal deadlines. Old accusations may lead investigators to more recent incidents with other victims. They may also lead detectives to perpetrators -- such as teachers or day care workers -- who might still have access to potential victims.

richard.winton@latimes.com

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