Disgraced comic actor, Bill Cosby has been denied an early release from prison despite dozens of Coronavirus infections inside the facility where he is housed.
The 82-year-old is serving a three to 10 years sentence at SCI Phoenix in Skippack, Pennsylvania after being found guilty of aggravated sexual assault in 2018.
As a result of the pandemic, several prisoners across the world have been released early or sent to home confinement.
Last Friday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf revealed a plan to ‘temporarily relieve’ at-risk inmates in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus behind bars, sparking speculation that Cosby could be freed.
But the state’s Department of Corrections have ruled out an early release for the actor.
‘Sex offenders are not eligible under the reprieve criteria,’ a department spokesperson bluntly told the media.
The star’s rep, Andrew Wyatt has hit back, claiming that it is dangerous to keep Cosby because of his poor health and old age.
‘All elderly inmates like Mr. Cosby could succumb to this virus. It seems it’s more politically motivated and personally motivated to not let this man out. It’s very upsetting and disappointing, ‘ Wyatt told Fox News.
At the DCI Phoenix, Twenty-one prisoners and 13 staffers at the facility have tested positive for Coronavirus. Earlier this month, one inmate died from the virus inside the prison.
On Thursday, nine inmates from SCI Phoenix were among the first prisoners in Pennsylvania to be released.
A spokesperson said the prisoners are all non-violent offenders and have been tested to make sure they are not infected with COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Cosby’s rep fears the actor is at risk of contracting Coronavirus.
‘i’m very concerned for Mr. Cosby’s health in prison during the coronavirus epidemic,’ Wyatt told Fox News.
‘The reason: Mr. Cosby is elderly and blind — and always needs to be escorted around the prison by support service inmates, known as Certified Peer Specialists (CPI).’
‘Those inmates could fall victim to the coronavirus and easily spread the disease to Mr. Cosby as they wheel him around in a wheelchair. Among their duties, the inmates bring Mr. Cosby to the infirmary for his doctor appointments and clean his cell.’
Bill Cosby was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in his home in January 2004.
He has also been accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 60 women.
