The Pennsylvania Parole Board has rejected once-beloved-comedian Bill Cosby’s petition to be released from a 10-year prison sentence for aggravated indecent assault, citing his refusal to participate in a therapy program for sexually violent predators.
Laura Treaster, a spokeswoman for the state parole board, confirmed the decision which was made on May 11. Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt, on the other hand, said his client expected to be turned down.
“We knew he was going to be rejected. He called me and told me that if he didn’t take the course, he would be denied. He has maintained his innocence from the beginning.”
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The 83-year-old who famously starred in his sitcom called The Cosby Show, would have become eligible for parole on September 25 after completing the three-year minimum term of his sentence. He was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison and cited as a sexually violent predator after being convicted of the rape of Andrea Constand, his former friend at Temple University in 2004.
Among other women who filed a lawsuit against Cosby is American model Janice Dickinson, who said that Cosby gave her a pill which he claimed would soothe her menstrual cramps but instead left her immobilised.
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Treaster said the board would not consider Cosby for parole again unless he completes the sexual violent predator therapy. He must also overcome a recommendation against parole from the state Department of Corrections and maintain a clear conduct record. Cosby was also told to develop a “parole release plan.”
Cosby had a hearing before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in December on his appeal of his conviction. The court has not yet ruled, and there is rarely any advance notice.
Wyatt said Cosby is doing as well in prison as can be expected.
“He’s hopeful,” Wyatt said of the Supreme Court appeal. “He’s cool as a cucumber.”
*Cover image via Ray Tamarra
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