Philly D.A. files motion for new trial and judge for Meek Mill

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Thursday, May 23, 2019
Philly D.A. files motion for new trial and judge for Meek Mill
Philly D.A. files motion for new trial and judge for Meek Mill. Sharrie Williams reports during Action News at 4:30 p.m. on May 22, 2019.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia District's Attorney's Office announced Wednesday they have filed a motion that rapper Meek Mill gets a new trial and a new judge.

District Attorney, Larry Krasner, confirmed that his office filed new documents in Pennsylvania Superior Court, asking for a new probation violation trial for Meek Mill, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams.

The DA's office says it appears Judge Genece Brinkley has been biased against Meek, pointing to a surprise visit she made to a homeless shelter where he was doing court-ordered community service.

They say that is a role for probation officers, not a judge.

Meek was originally sentenced to two to four years in prison but was released in 2018 on bond.

Meek's attorney Jordan Siev released the following statement:

"We are very pleased that the Philadelphia District Attorney's office has confirmed to the Superior Court that Meek is entitled to have his conviction vacated. The brief is also significant in that it marks the first time the DA has publicly outlined in writing that it supports Judge Brinkley's recusal based on her 'appearance of partiality' and 'public perception of unfairness and bias.'"

Meek is seeking to have his conviction on an old gun and drug charge vacated in a new trial after Judge Brinkley previously denied that request.