Pennsylvania Parole board denies Bill Cosby’s request

The Pennsylvania Parole Board has denied a request by actor Bill Cosby for parole during this third year in prison as part of a 10-year sentence. 

A letter by the board states that Cosby has failed “to develop a parole release plan” and needs to “participate in and complete additional institutional programs” that include “a treatment program for sex offenders and violence prevention.”

The 83-year-old was convicted in 2018 for drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University employee in 2004.

The Parole board also stated that Cosby was given a “negative recommendation made by the department of corrections,” according to the letter by the board.

The decision will be reconsidered if Cosby can receive a positive recommendation, complete the institutional program and keep a clear conduct record.

Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt said in a statement to The Hill that it was “not a surprise to Mr. Cosby, his family, his friends and/or his legal team” that he did not get parole.

“Mr. Cosby has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and continues to deny all allegations made against him, as being false, without the sheer evidence of any proof,” Wyatt said. “Today, Mr. Cosby continues to remain hopeful that the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court will issue an opinion to vacate his conviction or warrant him a new trial.”

Cosby’s legal team has taking two issues pertaining to the trial to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court with one of them including the judge in the case allowing five other accusers to testify.

The other issue the legal team is raising is the judge allowing a deposition where Cosby admits to giving other women quaaludes.