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.
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.