Boosie Badazz Arrested On Federal Gun Charge
Rapper Boosie Badazz made an appearance in federal court in San Diego on Thursday to face allegations of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Despite objections from his legal team, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper, whose real name is Torrence Hatch Jr., and who was previously known as Lil Boosie, expressed his upcoming performances scheduled across the country this summer, including a show in New Orleans on Saturday. However, United States District Court for the Southern District of California Judge David Leshner, in agreement with federal prosecutors, decided to postpone Hatch’s detention hearing until Tuesday.
While in the court’s holding cell, Hatch exclaimed, “Your honor!” before his attorneys hurried to speak with him. Judge Leshner clarified that his intention was not to silence Hatch, but rather advised him to consult with his legal counsel.
Initially, Hatch faced a similar charge in San Diego Superior Court after he was apprehended in early May during a traffic stop, where authorities discovered him and a companion in possession of two loaded handguns in their vehicle.
The charge in the Superior Court was dismissed early Wednesday morning. However, as Hatch left the courtroom, federal agents arrested him and presented him with an identical charge in federal court.
Describing the situation as “very unusual,” Meghan Blanco, one of Hatch’s attorneys, argued that it should not have occurred due to the petite policy—a policy within the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at safeguarding defendants from unnecessary second trials and multiple prosecutions.
Hatch’s other attorney, Damon Alimouri, stated that he and Blanco were prepared to advocate for Hatch’s pre-trial release. However, prosecutors requested a continuance until Tuesday to introduce new information relevant to the detention hearing.
Alimouri attributed some of the circumstances to Hatch’s outspoken nature on social media and other platforms, including his music, comments regarding the criminal justice system, and statements made during his concerts. Alimouri emphasized that ultimately, Boosie possesses First Amendment rights.
Known for his distinctive Southern drawl and emotionally charged lyrics that chronicle the struggle to overcome poverty, systemic injustices affecting Black Americans, and the criminal justice system, Hatch is widely recognized as one of rap’s most celebrated artists.
Hatch has encountered legal issues in the past in Louisiana and Georgia. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to charges of marijuana and gun possession in Louisiana. In 2011, Hatch pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle drugs into prison, resulting in an extended sentence. Additionally, in 2019, he was arrested in Georgia on charges related to gun and drug possession.
Furthermore, in 2012, Hatch was acquitted in a 2009 murder case in Louisiana.
On Wednesday afternoon, Hatch took to his Twitter account to post an apology to his children, expressing his love and remorse.
The arrest, allegedly, stems from Boosie being spotted on a “known gang member’s Instagram Live” by police. He was seen with a pistol sticking out of his pants, which he is barred from owning because he is a convicted felon. The police dispatched a helicopter and tracked him down and arrested him and two bodyguards on site.
