The former boyfriend of Nicki Minaj is scheduled to return to court in October after he was released on his own recognizance.
- Aug 20, 2017
AceShowbiz - Meek Mill who was arrested for his dirt bike stunt in New York City might escape jail time. Prosecutors have decided not to pursue felony charges against the 30-year-old rapper whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams.
The rhymer was charged with two misdemeanors, reckless endangerment and reckless driving. He was released on his own recognizance but required to complete a driving improvement program before his next court date in October.
Prosecutors originally wanted judge to set bail at $7,500. "The defendant has an extensive out-of-state record from Pennsylvania, including a drug conviction, a conviction for a loaded gun as well as multiple drug convictions ... as well as many other contacts with the criminal justice system out of state," Assistant District Attorney Eli Cohen reasoned.
"The defendant is a famous musician who has the means to flee if he so desires," Cohen continued. "The defendant drove a dirt bike in the streets of Manhattan, putting other drivers ... as well as himself, in danger of serious injury, which is a large concern with the quality of life in this particular area."
However, the judge disagreed. The South Philly hip-hop star was eventually released without bail because, as the judge said, he had stayed out of trouble for nine years.
Meek Mill was arrested on Thursday, August 17 when leaving a basketball game. Hours before his arrest, he performed his single "YBA (Young Black America)" for a pre-recorded episode on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon".
The rapper got into trouble for riding his bike in a dangerous manner "around the streets of Upper Manhattan" the previous evening. He allegedly broke "many New York City traffic laws" and put "himself and others at great risk of injury" by riding without helmet and popping wheelies during a music video shoot.
His lawyer Joseph Tacopina blasted the arrest, saying his client was "singled out" because of his race and celebrity status. "If his name was John Smith, he wouldn't have even been arrested," the attorney said.
The lawyer also argued, "A guy literally popped a wheelie for 10 seconds on the street with no one else around. And the police were there. That's very important. The police were there and they saw it, and they didn't arrest him. They didn't even give him a traffic ticket, but somehow the video made it to social media."
