Director Roman Polanski arrested for 1977 rape

In this Jan. 15, 2009 file photo, Polish-born film director Roman Polanski is shown at a burial ceremony for French film maker Claude Berri, in Montrouge, France. (AP)

Director Roman Polanski, 76, is awaiting extradition to California after being arrested in Zurich, Switzerland for a 1977 Los Angeles rape.

According to the Los Angeles Times, authorities learned that Polanski would be traveling to Zurich to obtain an award at a local film festival. A provisional arrest warrant was sent to the U.S. Justice Department from the Los Angeles County District Attorney, which was presented to Swiss law enforcement.

Prosecutors told the Times that whether the renowned director would serve time behind bars was “…a matter between Polanski and the court… We initially recommended prison time for him, but I can’t see into the future.”

The recent action stemmed from an incident that resulted in Polanski’s arrest at a Beverly Hills hotel 31 years ago. A 13-year-old girl told police Polanski sexually assaulted her during a photo shoot at the home of actor Jack Nicholson, according to the Times.

In 1978, an arrest warrant was issued after Polanski failed to appear at his sentencing for the statutory rape conviction. He fled the country, however the conviction still stands and Polanski has not returned to the states since.

His extradition could be speedy or lengthy, depending on Polanski. Guido Ballmer, a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police said “if he agrees with an extradition, he could be sent to the U.S. in the next days.” But, Ballmer also told the Times that if the director fights his return, the process could last months, or longer.

Polanski was married to actress Sharon Tate, who was brutally murdered 40 years ago by members of the Manson Family. She was eight months pregnant with the couple's first child. At the time, Polanski was working on a film in London.

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