Gucci Mane pleads guilty to gun possession charge

Rapper could serve 39 months in federal prison

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  • Jason Persse/Wikimedia Commons
  • Gucci Mane, performing in 2010

Rapper Radric Davis, better known as Gucci Mane, pled guilty in federal court yesterday to illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.

The East Atlanta native and Trap House recording artist could have been sentenced to up to 10 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine. However, his lawyer Drew Findling told the AJC that the rapper struck a deal with prosecutors to serve 39 months in federal prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in July.

Davis was charged after Atlanta Police in September found him wielding a loaded handgun and making threatening comments in southeast Atlanta near Moreland Avenue. Officials say he smelled “strongly of marijuana” and was acting violent. He has reportedly sat in jail since being charged charged last December.

Prosecutors pointed to the 34-year-old rapper’s record, which includes convictions ranging from assault and battery to violating probation.

“Davis has a long history of violence and of illegally possessing and using guns,” U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said in a statement. “This office will prosecute those who illegally possess especially when they have a history of violence and threaten others with firearms.”

The 34-year-old rapper attracted attention last year after openly insulting a number of music industry executives, journalists, and recording artists, including Atlanta natives T.I., Waka Flocka, and 2 Chainz, among several others, in a series of odd tweets. The rapper later claimed his Twitter account had been hacked, adding that he would check into rehab for drug abuse.

ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Aladino Ortiz said in a statement that the agency will not “tolerate armed violent felons continually terrorizing and reducing the quality of life in the neighborhoods where we live, work, and play.” APD Chief George Turner said police will be vigilant in prosecuting people, including Davis, who continue to violate firearm laws. “The arrest and conviction of Radric Davis ensures we are one step close to making Atlanta the safest big city in the nation,” he said.