Bill Cosby released after sex assault conviction overturned

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction for assaulting Andrea Constand because of a non-prosecution agreement the comedian had with a prior prosecutor.
• Cosby was released from prison Wednesday and is now barred from being tried again in the case.
• After he was freed, Cosby tweeted: “I have always maintained my innocence.”

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction Wednesday after discovering an agreement the comedian had with a prior prosecutor. The ruling prevented him from the possibility of a third trial in the case, according to prosecutors.

In 2018, Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years after being convicted on three felony counts of drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. He has served nearly three years of the sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia.

The 83-year-old Cosby had said at the time that he’d rather serve all 10 years than acknowledge any remorse over the encounter with Constand, a former Temple University employee at his suburban estate.

Cosby was charged in December 2015 when a prosecutor arrested him days before the 12-year statute of limitations expired.

Cosby appeared outside his Cheltenham Township home with his spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, and appellate attorney, Jennifer Bonjean. The comedian was smiling but kept his silence.

“Today, on this hot day, this is a hot verdict for us that we will forever cherish,” Wyatt told reporters.  

“He is extremely happy to be home,” Bonjean said. “He looks forward to reuniting with his wife and his children.” 

Cosby later tweeted to thank the court, saying he had always maintained his innocence. 

“I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence. Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal. Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law,” the tweet read. 

Constand, on the other hand, issued a statement to USA TODAY through her lawyers, calling the reversal by the high court “disappointing” and a “procedural technicality.”

She added that the court decision could discourage assault victims to come forward.

“We urge all victims to make their voices heard. We do not intend to make any further comment,” Constand concluded the statement.  

Source: USA Today