Formerly indicted rapper Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, will spend the holiday season with his family as he has been released from prison after accepting a plea deal.
In May, the music star was among 28 people linked to Young Thug’s criminal street gang, Young Slime Life – YSL – who were all charged in a 56-count RICO case. Although he was initially denied bond and later denied release from prison ahead of a trial in January 2023, he recently pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and was released the same day.
Gunna Agrees To Be Candid But Not Involved In RICO Trial Proceedings
MEGA
On Wednesday, December 14, Gunna met with a judge and entered a negotiated plea, called an Alford plea, in which he did not admit to the crime but accepted that a guilty plea would benefit him.
He faces one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Practices Act and was sentenced to five years in prison, although one year was commuted to time served. The remaining four years are suspended and will be subject to certain conditions, including 500 hours of community service.
Following the verdict, the Georgia-born songwriter released a statement indicating that he had agreed to be “honest” but needed to make it “perfectly clear” that he was not cooperating in any way. He said:
“I have NOT made any statement, I have NOT been interviewed, I have NOT cooperated, I have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case, and I absolutely do NOT intend to be involved in the trial process in any way. .”
Although Gunna claimed he would not testify, WBSTV reported that being a witness was one of the conditions of his trial; however, he can invoke the Fifth Amendment. In the same statement, he admitted that, after joining YSL in 2016, he doesn’t see the label as a gang but “more like a group of people from the Atlantic metro who have shared interests and artistic aspirations.”
MEGA
The “Drip or Drown 2” star added that he only focuses on the entertainment aspect of YSL, especially “rap artists who write and perform music that exaggerates and glorifies urban life in the Black community.” And despite the band breaking the law, he says he will always cherish his association with YSL’s music.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, the judge read out the terms of the plea agreement, to which Gunna responded by swearing he was not aware of any YSL members or associates committing any crimes to promote the group.
Even so, he seems to separate himself from “YSL the gang” versus “YSL the label.” And in his acknowledgment of the signed statement, he admitted, “I acknowledge, accept, and deeply regret that my talent and music indirectly advance the YSL group to the detriment of my community. YSL as a gang must end.”
As for the plea agreement, it obliges the hip hop star not to carry a gun during his sentence, and if violated, the district attorney has the right to revoke the suspended sentence. Earlier in June, The Blast reported that Gunna spoke out after his claims via a touching message to mark his 29th birthday.
MEGA
He wrote that 2022 was one of the best years of his life because he “had the whole world pushing P,” referring to the top track on his album “DS4Ever.” Unfortunately, the RICO charges happened, putting a break in his career; however, he remains innocent and promises to continue fighting for his freedom.
‘Clean Quarantine’ Rapper Gets Support From Kim Kardashian Amid RICO Charges
Gunna’s case certainly caught the attention of many, including those in the entertainment industry. Among the people The Blast reported was Kim Kardashian, who showed support by tweeting about her freedom.
As fans already know, Kardashian, who is studying to be a lawyer, has shown an interest in the legal and prison sectors by using her influence and knowledge to help in the freedom of prisoners.
And in defense of the “Drip Too Hard” singer, he wrote on Twitter, “#FreeGunna,” adding two emojis that read “Free P,” a reference to his hit song, “Pushin P.” Many of Gunna’s supporters wasted no time in the comments to express their gratitude for the touching insight, although some questioned its seriousness.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
