Bill Cosby's Lawyers Want to Move Trial Out of Montgomery County

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Bill Cosby's defense team has filed a motion for a change of venue for former comedian's upcoming trial, alleging that media coverage has already convinced Montgomery County of Cosby's guilt and that he won't receive a fair trial here.

Lawyers cite numerous local and national media publications which they allege have smeared Cosby, 79, who faces charges of felony indecent assault of a former friend and Temple University employee, Andrea Constand. The incidents allegedly occurred inside of Cosby's Cheltenham Township home in 2004.

"It is difficult to conceive of a case in recent history that has generated more widespread, inflammatory and sustained media coverage than the current case against Mr. Cosby," the motion reads. "Branded variously a monster, sociopath, and sexual predator, everyone from the current District Attorney of Montgomery County to President Obama has publicly weighed in on the allegations against Mr. Cosby."

The motion also references one of Cosby's defense team's most consistent claims: that Cosby was used as a "political pawn" in the public and contentious 2015 Montgomery County District Attorney's race between former DA Bruce Castor and current DA Kevin Steele.

Lawyers say that the coverage has led to an atmosphere which is "likely to produce prejudice," one of the guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court on whether a change of venue is justified.

Cosby was most recently in court on Dec. 14 as a judge weighed whether or not to allow the testimony of 13 of his other accusers to be used against him. Judge Steven T. O'Neill has stated that he will decide soon.

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Cosby continues to deny all allegations of abuse.

The trial is officially set for June 5, 2017.

Image courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office