YFN Lucci Pleads Not Guilt In Gang Racketeering Case: Report

BY Erika Marie 2.7K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Bennett Raglin / Stringer / Getty Images
YFN Lucci, Case, Crime,
Lucci has been accused of being associated with Bloods gang members in Miami and Atlanta.

Last week, YFN Lucci gave an update on his ongoing racketeering case. The rapper is currently facing a slew of charges related to allegations of gang activity and the murder of an Atlanta man last December. "Thank you all for your prayers and continued support," the 30-year-old wrote in a text image. "I am still incarcerated right now but am maintaining my innocence. To all my fans who have continued to show love and support, I'll have some new music and content on the way!"

On Thursday (June 17), 11Alive News reported that YFN Lucci's attorney appeared before a Fulton County judge in Georgia to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of the rapper. "He also waived his formal arraignment in a gang-related racketeering case he was indicted in last month," reports the outlet.

Authorities reportedly claim that Lucci, real name Rayshawn Bennett, is associated with the Bloods in the cities of Miami and Atlanta. Several people were named in an indictment along with Lucci, and the charges reportedly have a wide range from murder to firearm possession. Lucci, specifically, has been hit with charges including "a felony murder count, multiple counts of aggravated assault, a violation of the Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) act and multiple counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act."

Although investigators noted that they believed the gang activity goes as far back as 2010, YFN Lucci wasn't included in the case until last year. It's reported that when he released the music video for his single "Shine On," authorities tagged him due to the lyrics "promoting criminal gang activity." The music video also reportedly helped investigators because there were alleged "hand signs, language, clothing and colors" that showed Bloods affiliation.

The rapper was previously denied bond. Check out the music video to "Shine On" below.

[via]


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.