Coolio Escapes Jail Over Weapon Possession
53 year-old rapper, Coolio, only got three years of probation after pleading guilty to unlawful firearm possession. He was also ordered to perform 45 days of community service under a negotiated plea deal sparing him jail term.
The rap artist, whose real name is Leon Ivey, was charged earlier this month with illegal possession of firearm. The offence carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. He pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of carrying a concealed weapon during his hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, .
Spokesman for prosecutors, Ricardo Santiago said the rapper could return to court in a year to have his latest felony conviction reduced to offense.
“This will only be possible if he fulfills his community service obligation and stays out of trouble with the law.”
“He already has two prior felony convictions on his record. One in 2001 for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and the second in 2009 for possession of cocaine.”
The judge complimented his hair-do but warned Coolio he could end up back in court and face jail term even if a single bullet was found on him during probation.
Firearm Possession Was A Mistake -Coolio
However, The remorseful rap star said his latest brush with the law was a mistake.
“It was a misunderstanding. I do not condone the use of firearms, legal or illegal.
“Thanks to the court and the attorneys handling this for me so I can still do the work that I do.”
The rapper was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport in September with a stolen loaded handgun. He was trying to smuggle the weapon through with his entourage but X-ray screening belt discovered him.
Coolio is popular for his 1995 Grammy Award-winning hit, Gangstar Paradise. The song remains one of the bestselling singles of all time and topped US charts that year.
