On Monday, Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley sentenced Meek Mill to two to four years in state prison for violating probation stemming from a 2008 gun and drug case. While in court, Judge Brinkley cited a failed drug test and a failure to comply with a court order restricting his travel as her basis for the decision.
Many spoke out in support of Meek, including JAY-Z, who posted the following statement on Facebook:
"The sentence handed down by the Judge – against the recommendation of the Assistant District Attorney and Probation Officer – is unjust and heavy-handed," Jay-Z said. "We will always stand by and support Meek Mill, both as he attempts to right this wrongful sentence and then in returning to his musical career."
Meek's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, also spoke out and described quite the interesting dynamic between the judge and Meek.
"She's enamored with him," Tacopina explained to Billboard. "She showed up at his community service for the homeless people. She showed up and sat at the table. She's a judge. You could pull any judge in America and ask them how many times they've showed up at a community service for a probation and the answer is zero."
Tacopina explained to Angie Martinez how the judge wanted Meek to drop Roc Nation and sign with a friend of hers. Tacopina added that Brinkley wanted Meek to sign with a local Philly manager whom she had a personal friendship with, which he said shows Brinkley isn't being impartial with her judgment.
Though, Meek was sent directly to prison, Tacopina says he is staying strong and they will be appealing the sentencing.
