 |
|
Murder Inc. Rap Mogul Acquitted in NY |
|
|
 |
Rap moguls Irving and Christopher Lorenzo were found not guilty on Friday of laundering money for a New York drug lord.
The heads of the record label formerly known as Murder Inc had been accused of laundering up to $1m for convicted drug dealer Kenneth McGriff
But they were both acquitted of federal money laundering charges reports BBC news.
Supporters in the court erupted in cheers after the acquittals were announced reports AP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Haran said he would respect the jury's verdict.
Irving and Christopher, 35 and 38 years old respectively could have faced 20 years in prison on each of two counts. They were charged with money laundering and conspiracy reports Reuters
"This was a targeted effort to take down the rap world," said Christopher Lorenzo. "They don't understand our culture."
Prosecutor Carolyn Pokorny had said the case was not about the rap world but two men who laundered money for Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff.
Defense lawyers acknowledged the Lorenzos were friends and legitimate business partners with McGriff, and helped finance his straight-to-video movie, "Crime Partners."
"I'm overjoyed," said Irv Lorenzo. "The only thing we were guilty of was being friends of somebody, of knowing someone from our neighborhood."
Outside the court, the brothers were hugged by rap star Ja Rule, who attended the trial in a show of support along with other hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z, Ashanti, Fat Joe and Russell Simmons.
Ja Rule, on hand for the verdict, said he was elated.
"I can't even explain the feeling that's in my body."
|
