Felons possessing guns get hard time in prison under federal law. It’s a no-no under state laws as well. But convicted felon and rapper Coolio caught quite a break in California despite pleading guilty to carrying a handgun as a felon while trying to board a plane at Los Angeles International Airport.
That’s right: Coolio (aka Artis Leon Ivey Jr.) who has gun and drug convictions in his past, carried a gun in his luggage as he attempted to pass through TSA security before boarding a plane at LAX in September.
He was arrested and went to court. Independent.ie has the story:
Coolio avoids jail after admitting gun charge
Rapper Coolio has avoided jail after he admitted carrying a concealed gun at Los Angeles International Airport.
The US musician was arrested after the handgun was discovered in his bag during security screening on September 17.
Coolio, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey, pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed firearm as a felon when he appeared at Los Angeles’ Airport Courthouse on Wednesday.
He was sentenced to 45 days community service and banned from owning or possessing guns during a three-year probation period.
He’s banned for life from firearms ownership because of his felony past.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Coolio said: “A mistake was made. It was a misunderstanding.
“I don’t condone the use of firearms, illegal or legal.
Not that it stopped him from illegally obtaining and carrying one.
“Thanks to the court and the attorneys for handling this for me.
“I was very worried.
“I don’t do crime. I’m not into anything illegal.”
“I don’t do crime.” Really? That doesn’t seem to be a lesson anyone can reasonably draw from his record.
Rest assured that had you or I tried the same thing, it’s a safe bet we’d have gotten significantly more than 45 days of community service and three years probation.