Kodak Black Pleads Guilty To Federal Weapons Charges, Faces Up To 20 Years In Prison
On Thursday (Aug. 22), Florida rapper Kodak Black pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges that stemmed from his arrest back in May, reports the Associated Press.
The “No Flockin” rapper submitted the change of plea in a Miami federal court. Kodak was charged by prosecutors with crimes including falsifying information on federal forms to purchase firearms from a Greater Miami gun store twice.
The 22-year-old controversial artist obtained three weapons: a 9 mm handgun, a .380-caliber handgun, and a semi-automatic Mini Draco weapon.
Law enforcement stated that one of the weapons was found at the scene of a March shooting that transpired in Pompano Beach. Kodak is also facing drug, weapons, and sexual assault charges in other states.
The U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno asked the rapper why he needed so many guns, and Kodak shrugged and said that they were needed for “protection.” Kodak Black’s attorney, Bradford Cohen said in a previous hearing that Kodak had received threats from gangs and various rivals.
The rapper whose given name is Dieuson Octave and whose legal name is Bill Kapri has been in federal custody since he was detained during a Greater Miami hip-hop festival in May where a myriad of violent incidents took place.
Law enforcement is still investigating three unrelated shoot outs in the Miami area that is possibly connected to the festival. One of the shootings involved property that President Donald Trump owns.
Kodak Black’s previous request for bond was denied by Moreno because the judge feels that the rapper is a danger to the community. Kodak could face up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13.
