Bill Cosby Denied Parole After He Refuses Therapy

NORRISTOWN, PA - APRIL 26: Bill Cosby walks after it was announced a verdict is in at the Montgomery County Courthouse for day fourteen of his sexual assault retrial on April 26, 2018 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. A former Temple University employee alleges that the entertainer drugged and molested her in 2004 at his home in suburban Philadelphia. More than 40 women have accused the 80 year old entertainer of sexual assault. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

The Pennsylvania Parole Board has denied the early-release request of comedian Bill Cosby after refused to enroll in a therapy program for sexually violent predators.

NEW: Bill Cosby denied parole by PA Parole Board, board says a number of requirements still need to be met for parole, according to a letter from the parole board obtained by CNN.
— Ana Cabrera (@AnaCabrera) May 27, 2021

Cosby, now 83, was found guilty in the 2004 rape of Andrea Constand, his former friend at Temple University. He was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison.

Cosby would have been eligible for parole in September. Laura Treaster, a spokeswoman for the state parole board, told Reuters that the board would not consider Cosby for parole again until he finishes the therapy program. “He must also overcome a recommendation against parole from the state Department of Corrections and maintain a clear conduct record,” according to Reuters.

Andrew Wyatt, a spokesman for Cosby, said the ruling was not a surprise. He says Cosby maintains his innocence. He is waiting on the the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to rule on an appeal he filed in December.