Rapper Ca$h Out, whose real name is John-Michael Hakeem Gibson, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years following his conviction on a wide range of serious criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking, and leading a prostitution ring, according to WSB-TV Atlanta.
On July 18, a jury found Gibson, 34, guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, two counts of human trafficking, pimping, pandering, keeping a place of prostitution, battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was also convicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for organizing and running a criminal sex trafficking operation.
He was acquitted on one charge of aggravated assault, according to his defense attorney Careton R. Matthews, as reported by USA Today.
Co-Conspirators Also Convicted
Gibson’s mother, Linda Smith, and friend, Tyrone Taylor, were also convicted for their roles in the operation. Prosecutors told the jury the group ran an organized prostitution business and coerced victims into sex work.
During the trial, Gibson’s defense argued the case was built on shaky evidence, claiming that several accusers “voluntarily reconnected” with Gibson and gave inconsistent testimony. Matthews called some charges “overblown” and signaled that Gibson may seek an appeal or new trial.
“We respect the court’s process and the jury’s decision, but we’re disappointed with the verdict and sentence,” Matthews said. “He maintains his innocence on many of these charges.”
Judge Condemns ‘Diabolical Conduct’
Before issuing the sentence, the judge described the case as showcasing “the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings,” adding that prosecutors had clearly proven the “diabolical conduct” of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
Rise and Fall of a Rap Career
Ca$h Out, originally from Columbus, Georgia, rose to fame in 2011 with the hit single “Cashin’ Out”, which peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. He later signed with Epic Records and released the album Let’s Get It in 2014, featuring the popular track “She Twerkin.”
His sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the rapper, once seen as a rising star in the Atlanta hip-hop scene.
