Bill Cosby Released From Prison, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules His Due Process Rights Were Violated

As reported by CNN, Bill Cosby was released from prison today (June 30) after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his 2018 conviction for sexual assault. In September 2018, Cosby was sentenced to 3-10 years in Pennsylvania state prison for the drugging and sexual assault of Andrea Constand at his home in 2004.

The panel of Pennsylvania State Supreme Court judges stated that when Montgomery District Attorney Bruce Castor was investigating the drugging and rape allegations against Cosby (age 83) in 2005, the prosecutor’s decision to not prosecute Cosby in return for his deposition in a civil case was later wrongfully used against the actor and comedian at trial.

Ultimately, the court ruled that Cosby’s due process rights were violated in his criminal trial. The judges said in a statement, “In light of these circumstances, the subsequent decision by successor D.A.s to prosecute Cosby violated Cosby’s due process rights.”

The decision reverses what was seen as one of the first major criminal trials of the #MeToo era. The attorney for three of Cosby’s accusers, Lisa Bloom, reportedly called this decision a “slap in the face” to the victims who sought closure after the case was seemingly resolved several years ago. Bloom added that it will likely be “a very hard day” for the women who accused Cosby of assault.

Cosby’s family said in a statement from press representative Andrew Wyatt, “I want to thank the Supreme Court who saw the light and saw the truth.” Wyatt reportedly went to the prison to take Cosby back to his home in Pennsylvania.

The statement continued:

“Mr. Cosby was originally given a deal by Bruce Castor in which he was granted immunity. He gave up his fifth amendment rights in hopes that he would get back to work, back to life. And he always showed up for any legal matters and questions on his own accord. Charges should never have been brought against Mr. Cosby. I want to thank the attorneys who successfully argued his appeal and especially Mrs. Cosby who stood strong and was here for Mr. Cosby every step of the way and supported every idea and strategy from the attorneys and the team and she always knew that Mr. Cosby was innocent.”

Previously, the Pennsylvania Parole Board denied Cosby parole last May. According to a letter from the parole board, it was cited that Bill Cosby had failed “to develop a parole release plan” and had a “negative recommendation by the Department of Corrections,” which were said to have contributed to the decision to deny him parole.

Last December, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments on an appeal filed by Cosby’s legal team in order to overturn his 2018 conviction.