Meek Mill, center, accompanied by his defense attorney Brian Mcmonagle arrives at the
criminal justice center on Nov. 6, 2017 in Philadelphia. (Photo: Matt Rourke / AP)
American rapper, Robert Rihmeek Williams, popularly known as Meek Mill, was on Monday sentenced to four years in prison by a Pennsylvania judge for violating his probation.
Common Pleas Court Judge, Genece E. Brinkley cited a failed drug test and unapproved travel, stemming from a 2008 gun and drug case.
He was immediately taken into custody.
Brinkley said she had given Mill multiple chances but he hasn't complied. According to evidence from probation officers, the musician tested positive for narcotics numerous times.
The sentence was unexpected as prosecutors recommended Mill not be imprisoned for the probation violations, mentioning he's been drug-free since January and has complied with most requirements of probation. Mill's lawyer, Brian McMonagle, has vowed to appeal the sentencing.
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation company manages the rapper, denounced the sentence 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.
"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 has been arrested twice this year. He was arrested in March at St. Louis International Airport and charged with misdemeanor assault after an altercation with two airport employees.
In August, he was stopped for reckless endangerment while driving his motorcycle in New York City. Both cases were dropped after he agreed to fulfill community service requirements.
Brinkley has worked with Meek since nearly a decade ago, when the rapper was convicted and jailed for eight months and later placed on probation in 2008 for gun and drug charges. In 2016, he was placed under house arrest for 90 days after violating travel restrictions.
