(CNN) –A Pennsylvania appeals court overturned Meek Mill‘s 2008 conviction on gun and drug charges Wednesday, ordering a new trial and judge in the case.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that a trial judge erred in not granting the Philadelphia rapper a new trial “based on after-discovered evidence,” in accordance with the state’s Post-Conviction Relief Act, it said in its ruling.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said in a statement it is pleased that the appeals court “validated our position that Robert Rihmeek Williams deserves a new trial before a court that has no appearance of partiality.”
District Attorney Larry Krasner is reviewing the court’s opinion and weighing his options, his office said, declining to comment further.
In 2008, Meek was convicted after he was arrested for carrying a gun while walking to a corner store. He was sentenced to several months in prison, and was released early on five years’ parole.
“I’d like to thank the Pennsylvania Superior Court for overturning my conviction and granting me a new trial. The past 11 years have been mentally and emotionally challenging, but I’m glad that justice prevailed and my clean record has been restored,” Meek is quoted as saying in a Roc Nation tweet.
Roc Nation is an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, with whom Meek has collaborated on numerous ventures of late, both commercial and philanthropic.
Not only was Jay-Z integral in the #FreeMeekMill movement, but after the 32-year-old’s release from prison last year, the pair joined forces on the REFORM Alliance, an organization aiming to reduce the number of people serving unjust parole and probation sentences.
The two also announced Wednesday that Meek’s Dream Chasers Records label will fall under the Roc Nation umbrella. * By Eliott C. McLaughlin, CNN
———
- Note: Allegedly a prior judge wanted him to do a remake of Boyz II Men “On Bended Knee,” as a tribute to her personally. When he refused, it was all down hill from that moment. The same judge is said to have wanted him leave Roc-Nation and allow one of her personal associates to be his manager … can you say messy?!