Back here, we quoted the noted legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin as predicting that Bill Cosby "will end 2016 in prison — and that he will end his life destitute." We wondered why Toobin thought that and assumed he was talking about the allegations against Cosby by Chloe Goins. Turns out Toobin was probably talking about the case involving Andrea Constand. As I'm sure you've heard, an arrest warrant has been issued for Cosby in that matter. The Statute of Limitations was about to kick in so the prosecutors kicked first.
Do we think the comedian would have been charged if not for all the attention in the press and all his other alleged victims going public? No, we do not think that. So good for all those women for having the courage to say what they said.
I dunno where this ends…perhaps with a plea bargain and with Cosby's lawyers trading an admission of guilt for reduced prison time or, if they can, no prison time. But maybe there are legal tricks and loopholes they can explore. The Cosby bank account can pay for a lot of exploration.
I'm thinking though that out there, there must be other rich, powerful men who've done the kind of thing for which Cosby's reputation and career have been destroyed. Once upon a time, they thought their wealth and stature would shield them from answering for their crimes. If what's already happened to Cos before today didn't worry them, today's announcement sure will. Maybe somewhere out there, there's a future rapist who'll decide to take up a much safer hobby. It would be nice to think that prosecuting Dr. William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. will not just result in justice for a whole lot of ladies but will also make rich, powerful people a bit less likely to think they're untouchable.