*Prosecutors in Philadelphia are not opposed to the release of rapper Meek Mill while he appeals a probation violation sentence, they said Wednesday, citing new doubts about whether his conviction will even stand.
Mill, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, was sentenced in November to two to four years in prison for violating probation on a roughly decade-old gun and drug case.
Prosecutors have confirmed that the arresting officer was among the witnesses prosecutors from the previous administration tried to keep from testifying because of credibility issues. Prosecutors cited accusations against the cop by other officers in saying there was “a strong showing of likelihood” of the conviction “being reversed (in whole or in part).”
The district attorney’s office said its policy was not to request more than six to 12 months for technical violations of probation and parole, and it was unlikely that the appeal could be decided within six months.
Mill has spent more than two years in custody or on house arrest, and if the conviction is reversed there is a risk of an unjust or disproportionate sentence having been served and “that risk increases as long as (Mill) remains in custody,” the office said.
Judge Genece Brinkley, who will decide whether Mill is freed, has been the subject of harsh criticism from Mill’s attorneys, who have asked her to recuse herself from the case. The judge has hired an attorney who accuses Mill’s legal team of making baseless claims to the media about the judge’s personal and professional conduct.
Mill’s attorney Joe Tacopina praised the prosecutor’s decision and said in a statement, “We look forward to his immediate release by the court on bail in light of this development.”
As previously reported, Mill’s mother, Kathy Williams, a day earlier had called on the district attorney to weigh in on the case. She also expressed gratitude for the action.
“The fact that Robert’s entire conviction could be overturned is a blessing and I pray that God gives Judge Brinkley the wisdom to make the right decision and allow my son to return home to his family,” she said. “I truly believe justice will prevail.”
Mill made a surprise call from jail during Tuesday’s “Reform: Bringing Injustice to Light” forum at the University of Pennsylvania, as his mother held up his picture onstage.
“I wanted to say that I appreciate all the love and the support from the people of Philadelphia and all over the world,” said Mill after he called his lawyer, Joe Tacopina. “I think it is about time Pennsylvania had some type of light shined on the system . . . I am actually caught up in the system — it is not just myself but a bunch of other young men and older men, and it is kind of hard to get out of it. I have been on probation since I was 18 years old . . . I am back in a state prison due to a few small minor mistakes.”
It was the first time Mill’s made any statements since his sentencing.
Watch Mill’s call-in below, beginning at the 1:13:54 mark:
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