Pennsylvania Court Judge Genece Brinkley has once again denied Meek Mill bail, despite support for Mill from Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.
Mill’s longstanding probation case has proceeded since 2008, when he was first accused of involvement in an illegal drug sale. Since then, his case has garnered extensive traction, inspiring the #FreeMeekMill movement nationwide, which focuses not only on Mill’s release but also on the broader goal of reforming the probation and parole system.
The most recent #FreeMeekMill event, was hosted in Penn’s Irvine Auditorium, where attendees like Reverend Al Sharpton, Bryan Stevenson, and Meek Mill’s mother Kathy Williams advocated for Mill’s release from prison.
A decade-long legal battle has ensued between Brinkley and Meek Mill’s legal representatives since the original conviction, most recently culminating with Brinkley’s refusal to enact the Post Conviction Relief Act on Meek Mill’s behalf.
Mill’s defense attorney Joe Tacopina claimed that Judge Brinkley’s decision was rooted in her “personal vendetta” against the artist since it defied recommendations made by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.
“In spite of the recommendations from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, which was supported by Gov. Tom Wolf, the judge continues to stand alone in supporting Officer Reginald Graham’s perjured testimony as well as his criminal behavior that has been documented,” Tacopina said.
In a written statement, Judge Brinkley wrote that it was “absolutely necessary” that Mill be sent back to prison. She proceeded to argue that the Court of Common Pleas has remained impartial throughout the duration of the case, with her deliberation being free of personal bias or prejudice.
Despite the roadblock in his case, Tacopina said that he remains optimistic about the future legal path for Mill.
“Fortunately, we have already filed petitions with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to secure his release and we remain hopeful that the Court will right this injustice very soon,” Tacopina said.
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