EXPLAINER: Why Bill Cosby's conviction was overturned By MARYCLAIRE DALE and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Published Bill Cosby freed from prison, his sex assault conviction overturned Bill Cosby, 83, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he trudged into his home after serving nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence for drugging and violating Temple University sports administrator Andrea Constand in 2004. PHILADELPHIA - Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction was thrown out Wednesday by Pennsylvania’s highest court in a ruling that swiftly freed the actor from prison more than three years after he was found guilty of drugging and molesting Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion.