Rapper Meek Mill said he was pardoned by . Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf for the 2008 drug and firearms charges . He served in prison for in 2017, according to a post on his Instagram account.
The rapper, whose real name is Robert. Rihmic Williams, posted a document that appears to be from. The governor’s office and mentions charges that a . Robert R.. Public street or on public property in Philadelphia.”
Mill was born and raised in Philadelphia and often references the city in his music. Including his song “Philadelphia Born and Raised”.
Another charge is referred to in the document as “possession,” and.
“Has recommended to me in writing with reasons. The recommendation and reasons for the pardon of said Robert R. Williams have been filed in . The office of the lieutenant governor,” the document reads.
The rapper took to social media to share the news.
“Thank you 🥲 I’m going to do more for God for my community!” He wrote on Instagram on Thursday.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But a news release issued Thursday announced that Wolf had issued 369 pardons this week. That brings the total number of pardons Wolf has issued as governor to 2,540, according to the news release.
“I take this process very — reviewing and considering these 2,540 pardons and each one . That will affect their lives,” Wolff said in a statement. They deserve a second chance, and it’s my honor to provide it.”
The pardon means Meek Mill will receive “a full pardon by . The state for a felony conviction” regardless of time . Served in prison and “allow the associated . Criminal record to be expunged,” according to the news release.
In November 2017, Meek Mill was sentenced by . Common Pleas Court . Judge Janice Brinkley to two to four years in prison for a probation violation. Stemming from a 2008 drug and firearms conviction.
The hip-hop star was released from prison in. April 2018 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted his bail request.
His high-profile case has become a focal point for critics. Including the rapper himself. Who has called for criminal justice reform.
Meek Mill became very vocal about the US prison system and how it treats people of color.
In a 2018 sit-down interview with Lester Holt for NBC’s “Dateline” special . Dreams and Nightmares: The Meek Mill Story,” the rapper opened up about his legal troubles.
“I had eight years of probation that turned into 16 years of probation,” Mill said. “Something isn’t working.”
Mill and his legal team fought for his release in court. And even Philadelphia prosecutors sided with him. Â The officer who arrested him.
“If about how much the world has changed as a result of . The Me Too movement, Meek Mill will reform criminal justice, you know, in many ways what happened with the. Me Too movement,” said Michael Rubin, businessman and . Sixers co-owner and friend of Mill’s. , told “Dateline” at the time.
