Bill Cosby spokesperson calls foul play, evidence was manipulated
After being found guilty of sexual assault months ago, actor and civil rights leader Bill Cosby was sentenced today in a Pennsylvania courtroom to 3-10 years in prison but he will likely be eligible for parole after serving 36 months.
There are many people already calling Mr. Cosby’s conviction and sentence a modern day “lynching” as many point out that the President of the United States has been accused by 19 different woman of sexual assault as well as film producer Harvey Weinstein has yet to be convicted of any crimes.
Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill said he refuses to sentence the 81-year-old to probation or “partial confinement,” like house arrest. He also announced earlier today that he would be classifying Mr. Cosby as a “Sexually Violent Predator” which means he has to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The ailing star was seen leaving the courtroom in handcuffs.
Mr. Cosby’s attorney asked for probation while prosecutors wanted a 5-10 year sentence. “What does an 81-year-old man do in prison?” attorney Joseph Green asked the court. “How does he fight off the people who are trying to extort him, or walk to the mess hall?”
Cosby’s accuser gave an impact statement before sentencing as well as other past accusers showed up for his sentencing. Cosby has a very strong chance for appeal as the judge in the case allowed his past accusers to testify at his trial even though the statue of limitation had already expired for criminal charges to be brought against the comedian.
However, Cosby’s accuser, Andrea Constand, as well as 60 women who have come forward with allegations against him in recent years, argued that the man once heralded as “America’s Dad” should not get a pass for his crimes just because of his age and status. It also should be noted that Constand entered into a civil agreement in 2006 for $3.3 million dollars for the alleged incident. When she was questioned by prosecutors as to why she didn’t go to the police then and opted for the cash payout, she claimed that she “just wanted it to be over with for her and her family” What changed from then and now?
Can she still sue Bill Cosby after previously accepting a settlement? The short answer is yes unless there was a clause in her settlement agreement that precludes her from trying to sue Cosby in court. Constand other financial opportunities would be to write books or do public speakings which she could easily make millions of dollars.
