Juelz Santana has admitted to taking a loaded firearm to a New Jersey airport earlier this year. He now faces two decades in prison.
During a federal court appearance on Thursday, the 36-year-old rapper—legal name LaRon Louis James—pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon as well as carrying a weapon on an aircraft. NBC New York reports Santana could serve up to 10 years in prison for each charge. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.
The Dipset rapper was arrested back in March, after authorities at Newark Liberty International Airport discovered a loaded handgun and oxycodone pills inside his carry-on. Santana fled the scene after TSA agents made the discovery, and didn’t turn himself in until three days later. The rapper was then arrested on gun charges and placed on house arrest; however, a judge eventually modified his bail conditions, allowing him to go on tour as long as his mother accompanied him. He was also permitted to film an episode of Love and Hip Hop in Hoboken and New York.
“I view it as a reasonable and productive exercise of his time to work and provide for his family,” U.S. District Judge Michael Hammer said about the modifications.
The rapper’s trial was postponed last week so that he would have enough time to negotiate a plea deal.
Months after his arrest, Santana briefly spoke about the gun charges, insisting he was putting it all in god's hands.
“I’m not a bad guy,” he told the USA Today Network. “Family man, just praying for the best outcome, you know what I mean? Put it in god’s hands at the end of the day.”
