Ca$h Out, a once-prominent artist with notable hits like "Cashin' Out," will spend the remainder of his days behind bars after he was convicted of several serious charges.
According to a report 11Alive published on Monday, July 21, the rapper, born John Michael Hakeem Gibson, was seated in a courtroom in Atlanta when a judge sentenced him to life in prison plus 70 years in jail. The sentence came down following a months-long trial in which a jury found him guilty of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act in Georgia for allegedly running a prostitution ring.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Gibson led a criminal enterprise in which he allegedly used his fame and "Ca$h Out" brand to recruit women from social media and coerce them into commercial sexual activities. As part of his indictment, Gibson was convicted of sex trafficking, rape, and other offenses. In addition to prison time, Gibson was also barred from contacting any of the victims and their families. He must also register as a sex offender, and keep away from several addresses in metro Atlanta. At the sentencing hearing, Gibson denied the charges, said the jury gave the "wrong judgment," and claimed the alleged victims were "bullied" into testifying against him.
His mother Linda Smith, who was also known as "Morenika Vinnie" and "Mama Ca$h Out," and his business partner, Tyrone Taylor, were listed as co-defendants in the indictment. After a jury convicted them, Taylor was also given life in prison plus 70 years, and Smith received 30 years in prison. They also got a chance to speak to the court during their sentencing hearing.
Watch Ca$h Out, his mother and his right-hand man speak at their sentencing hearing below.