American rapper, Meek Mill’s 2008 drug and gun conviction case has been thrown out as he is granted a new trial. On Wednesday, a Pennsylvania appeals court overturned his 2008 conviction on gun and drug charges against and ordered a new trial and judge in the case.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that a trial judge erred in not granting the Philadelphia rapper a new trial “based on after-discovered evidence,” in accordance with the state’s Post-Conviction Relief Act, it said in its ruling.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said in a statement it is pleased that the appeals court “validated our position that Robert Rihmeek Williams deserves a new trial before a court that has no appearance of partiality.”
District Attorney Larry Krasner is reviewing the court’s opinion and weighing his options, his office said, declining to comment further.
Back in 2008, the rapper was convicted after carrying a gun while walking to a store. He was sentenced to several months in prison and released early on five years’ parole.
Following an incident in which he was accused of assault, a court in 2017 handed down a 2- to 4-year sentence for violating parole on the 2008 conviction. He served five months of that sentence.
The rapper will face a new judge and jury, although there is a chance prosecutors could decide to drop the case.
The appeals court also overturned the trial judge Genece Brinkley’s parole-violation charge that sent Meek Mill to jail in 2017, prompting the #FreeMeek movement and documentary.
Celebrating the big news, Meek Mill who signed partnership deal with Jay-Z today wrote on Instagram: ‘ As of right now I’m not on probation and I am not a felon anymore ?????????????? today was mega.’
