UPDATE: Rapper Gunna Denied Bond On Racketeering Charge
According to an updated report by 11 Alive, Gunna was denied bond in an appearance Wednesday in Fulton County court.
As we previously reported, Gunna surrendered to police and was booked on racketeering charge earlier in the morning. Gunna, whose legal name is Sergio Kitchens, is one of the 28 alleged gang members named in the Fulton County district attorney’s indictment.
The news site reports that Gunna was denied bond on jurisdictional grounds. It was not on the substance of his case. The Magistrate Court judge agreed with prosecutors that in this instance because the case has already been indicted, only the Superior Court judge to whom the RICO case has been assigned has authority to decide on bond, the news site notes. However, he did say he “absolutely would consider bond” on the merits of the case, “but I don’t have the authority to do it today.” So, what exactly does this mean? Gunna could remain in jail for several weeks. Gunna’s attorney is hoping to still have the Magistrate Court judge hear bond at a sooner date. He said he would ask the Superior Court judge to authorize the Magistrate Court to hear the bond matter. The Magistrate Court judge indicated he would do so if he’s authorized by the higher court judge, 11 Alive reports.
As we previously reported, Gunna and rapper Young Thug have been accused of possession and intent to sell narcotics, receiving stolen property, and for general street gang activity. They were also charged with being part of a larger criminal enterprise comprised of YSL associates who are alleged to have been involved in a number of crimes, including the attempted murder of rapper YFN Lucci.
Although he’s been accused of some serious crime, Gunna attorney says his client is an innocent and charitable man. In a statement to TMZ, he said, “Mr. Sergio Kitchens, known as Gunna, is innocent. The indictment falsely portrays his music as part of a criminal conspiracy.” The legal team, comprised of Donald F. Samuel, John A. Garland and Kristen W. Novay added, “Mr. Kitchens has been an advocate for his community, and it is our privilege to advocate for him.”
As of right now, there is no date yet set for a bond hearing in the RICO case, either for Gunna or any of the other 25-plus defendants. Since the case is so huge, Gunna’s attorney was worried it could be as late as into July before a hearing.
We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.
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