Meek Mill's Conviction Thrown Out, Granted New Trial
Meek Mill has scored a major legal victory.
A Pennsylvania appeals court tossed out the rapper’s 2008 conviction in a drug and gun case. A unanimous three-judge opinion granted him a new trial because of new evidence of alleged police corruption, according to The Washington Post.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court also overturned Judge Genece Brinkley’s parole violation findings that sent Meek back to prison for five months in 2017.
“We conclude the after-discovered evidence is of such a strong nature and character that a different verdict will likely result at a retrial,” the opinion said.
The key witness turned out to be a dirty cop and the prosecution will likely not call him to testify in the event of a retrial. Prosecutors could also choose to drop the case.
"I’d like to thank the Pennsylvania Superior Court for overturning my conviction and granting me a new trial. The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I’m glad that justice prevailed and my clean record has been restored." – @MeekMill #FreeMeek pic.twitter.com/ztNXsq0o7f
— REFORM ALLIANCE (@REFORM) July 24, 2019
“I’d like to thank the Pennsylvania Superior Court judges for their wisdom and their transparency in reviewing my case, unanimously overturning my conviction and granting me a new trial,” said Meek. “The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I’m ecstatic that justice prevailed.”
He continued, “This positive outcome wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, my attorneys, JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, Michael Rubin, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and my supporters who have stood with me through the ups and downs.”
He also vowed to continue the fight for justice reform. “Unfortunately, millions of people are dealing with similar issues in our country and don’t have the resources to fight back like I did. We need to continue supporting them. I’m committed to working with my team at the REFORM Alliance to change these outdated laws and fix our broken criminal justice system.”
Meek, who announced his Dream Chasers Records joint venture with Roc Nation earlier in the day, also celebrated the news on Twitter. “I’m not on probation right now…new label deal with jayz!!! Today was lit already,” he tweeted, adding, “‘wtf GOD’ you be acting a fool.”
I’m not on probation right now…new label deal with jayz!!! Today was lit already 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ “wtf GOD” you be acting a fool 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) July 24, 2019