Bill Cosby: From Hollywood to a Block Prison
The Shockingly Chic Drop‑In
Picture the once‑glamorous Bill Cosby, a 1950s family‑friendly icon, now kicked off his private jets and luxury suites. His entourage of celebrity aides will get swapped for an inmate who’ll be paid a few pennies a day to help the legally blind comedian navigate life behind bars.
What’s on the Ticket?
- Upcoming sentencing (within three months) for the 2004 assault on Andrea Constand.
- Potential maximum sentence: 30 years in prison.
- Appeal in play—might extend the “stay‑home” period for months, maybe years.
What the Department Says
A Pennsylvania Corrections spokeswoman, Susan McNaughton, confirmed that Cosby would be among the newest celebrities to have his role in the entertainment world cut off by the state.
Previous high‑profile inmates in the PA system include:
- Legislators
- Ex‑police officers
- Jerry Sandusky – a former Penn State football coach convicted as a serial child molester.
- Mumia Abu‑Jamal – a political activist jailed for the 1981 murder of a Philadelphia police officer.
From $400 Million to Ball‑Buster Cell
When it comes to wealth, Cosby’s 2016 Fortune net‑worth estimate was a solid $400 million. His assets included:
- $100 million in real‑estate holdings across New York, Massachusetts, and Nevada.
- A private jet, a high‑end art collection, and dozens of classic automobiles.
Incarceration Arrival Protocol
Once he steps inside the Pennsylvania Correctional facility, he’ll undergo:
- A “reception process” to assess health, psychological needs, security level, and assignment to one of 22 male prisons.
- Being classified as one of only 83 inmates aged 80 or older (and very few who are legally blind).
Blind but Not BFF
If an inmate assists a blind prisoner, he is paid a mere 19–42 cents per hour. This “sight‑buddy” will help navigate the block, but McNaughton emphasized that:
“These buddies are screened carefully, and there’s constant monitoring and supervision.”
Tech & Mail Inside the Walls
Like most inmates, Cosby will probably be allowed to:
- Send and receive emails (under strict security screening).
- Use prison‑approved tablet computers.
- Have a fellow inmate sort through fan mail that passes the mailroom checks.
When materials are checked, the policy is simple:
“No drugs, contraband, or influence for escape. If it clears, it’s delivered to the inmate.”
