VAN NUYS (CNS) — A businessman who appeared on the Bravo dating series “Millionaire Matchmaker” in 2011 has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting three women.
The criminal complaint against Michael Leslie Bernback, 63, of Sherman Oaks, alleges he administered a controlled substance to one of the women and tied and bound another woman during an alleged attack.
The prosecution alleges that the crimes occurred March 23, 2014, Sept. 27, 2014, and this Aug. 11.
Bernback was arrested Aug. 13 by Los Angeles police and released on $300,000 bail.
Bernback was taken back into custody on Sept. 3 when his bail was increased to $2.1 million and released later that day after posting the higher amount, according to the Sheriff’s Department records.
If convicted as charged, he could face a possible maximum sentence of multiple life terms in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Bernback was arraigned Monday, Nov. 23, in a Van Nuys courtroom on eight felony counts including one count each of forcible rape, rape by use of drugs, rape of an unconscious person, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by a foreign object and attempted sodomy by use of force, and two counts of administering a drug to commit rape, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Bernback is also charged with three misdemeanor counts alleging that he possessed Ecstasy), GHB and cocaine.
Bernback is due back in court Dec. 17, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.