Atlanta rapper Cash Out is currently on trial for charges including rape, sex trafficking, and exploiting women through his music label. On Tuesday (June 17), a testimony in a Fulton County courtroom offered new details in the sex trafficking case against the 34-year-old Atlanta rapper, whose real name is John Michael Gibson.
According to WSB-TV Atlanta, a forensic interviewer and trainer who specializes in working with sex trafficking victims took the stand and detailed how interviews with survivors are conducted, explaining how trafficking can impact victims differently depending on their age.
“When young people under 18 are identified as possible victims, being underage is the catalyst that makes them be seen as a possible victim,” she reportedly testified. “If someone’s over the age of 18, fear, though, is that they may be seen as a perpetrator, as a prostitute, as a criminal.”
Investigators also revealed that one woman, identified as both a co-defendant and alleged victim, told authorities she was forced into prostitution by Gibson, who allegedly acted as her pimp by setting prices, and posting online ads.
“A John wanted to pay $500 to have sex with her twice. Ultimately she didn’t want to do it, and Mr. Gibson ran her over with a car,” one investigator testified, per the news station.
“She told me she didn’t get any of the money that was made during her prostitution acts. Mr. Gibson took everything from her,” said another investigator, who described the woman as “extremely cooperative.”
The identities of the woman and investigators were protected by the court.
A 43-page RICO indictment alleges Gibson and his co-defendants used their record label to lure women into prostitution.
Gibson’s mother, Lisa Smith a.k.a “Mama Cash,” also faces charges of pandering and prostitution.
The defense denies all allegations, maintaining Gibson did not force anyone into prostitution.
The testimony comes a day after WSB-TV reported that another woman at the center of the case testified about years of alleged abuse and coercion.
She said she met Gibson during a period of financial hardship and admitted to engaging in sex work before their relationship began.
On Friday (June 13), the woman described Gibson as both her manager and romantic partner during a testimony. She stated that they lived together in various metro Atlanta residences, including a high-rise in Buckhead.
Per her testimony, Gibson allegedly arranged sexual encounters by posting online ads or instructing women to solicit clients on the street.
“He said he was a manager,” she told jurors.
The woman claimed Gibson physically abused her from 2014 to 2018. When asked why she didn’t document it, she said, “It’s really hard to record when you’re getting beat up, so no, I wasn’t recording.”
On cross-examination, the woman claimed she willingly published sexually explicit content online and that Gibson didn’t initially force her into prostitution.
Prosecutors allege Gibson used his fame to control women and coached them on how to act with clients. Alleged text messages presented in court included, “Need you talking like a white girl” and “When you come back up, put them heels on.”
The woman said earnings were placed in kitchen drawers and sent to Gibson’s mother through payment apps, while prosecutors claimed the women were promised rewards and benefits.
Cash Out was first accused of running a criminal enterprise in 2022. He and his five other co-defendants were charged in a 41-count indictment that alleged rape, aggravated sodomy, human trafficking, and racketeering.
The rapper is facing a sentence of 25-to-life behind bars.
