Rev. Al Sharpton Requests Removal of Judge in Meek Mill Case

 

On December 13, Rev. Sharpton submitted the following letter to the Honorable Shelia A. Woods-Skipper. 

Honorable Shelia A. Woods-Skipper
President Judge
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Philadelphia City Hall, Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Re: Honorable Judge Genece Brinkley

Dear President Judge Woods-Skipper:

I write to you as someone with deep respect for the Judicial Process and as a true believer in fairness and equality in criminal justice matters.  You may have read of my recent involvement with the case matters of Robert Rihmeek Williams (professional known as “Meek Mill”).  He is currently serving a probation violation and was sentenced to a term of incarceration, over the objection of both the local prosecutor and the assigned probation officer, by Judge Genece Brinkley.  You may also be aware that I have publically (sic) called for Judge Genece to be removed from Mr. Williams’ matter. This demand was generated by serious allegations of a conflict of interest with Mr. Williams.

It is generally held in all judicial circles that the administration of justice must be fair, equal and impartial.  It is also generally accepted in the law, that the appearance of bias or lack of impartiality, is as serious as actual bias or lack of the ability to be fair and impartial. There have been credible allegations made concerning Judge Brinkley’s ability to be fair and impartial in the matters concerning Mr. Williams.

If you know anything about me, I don’t just speak up when someone of note or celebrity has a problem with equal justice under the law. I have tried throughout my ministry and advocacy to always be the voice for the voiceless, and an activist for the underrepresented. Moreover, as Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. held throughout his life, a threat to justice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere!!.

Mr. Williams, in my view, has been subjected to an injustice.  Judge Brinkley has been deaf to the questions raised about her potential conflicts of interest with Mr. Williams or simply has disregarded her oath of office to carry out her duties in a manner consistent with the Code of Conduct for Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. I understand the gravity of raising such an issue concerning the conduct of a Judge.  I am compelled in this matter to speak truth to power.

I believe that Judge Brinkley must be removed from the case involving Mr. Williams and a Judge assigned who can conduct and preside in a fair and impartial manner.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Very truly yours,

Reverend Al Sharpton

President & Founder
National Action Network 

 

Source: Mercury