Cash Out has been sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years after being found guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, sex trafficking, racketeering and a string of other charges.
The rapper (born John Michael Hakeem Gibson) was handed his sentence on Monday (July 21) after a month-long trial during which prosecutors presented evidence that he led a prostitution and trafficking enterprise under the guise of his music brand, Pyrex Music Group, and his “Ca$h Out” persona, per NBC affiliate 11 Alive. The verdict was reached on Friday (July 19).
Before delivering the sentence, the judge said the trial exposed “the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings” and that “the diabolical conduct of the defendants occurred.”
Cash Out’s life sentence also includes an additional 70 years. He was also handed prison sentences on several other charges that were made concurrent, and will not add additional years.
According to the re-indictment, Cash Out and Pyrex Music Group “enticed and recruited women from social media platforms” through the use of “deception and then coercion” to “engage in commercial sexual activity.”
His conviction stems from numerous charges, including violating the RICO Act, rape, sex trafficking, pimping, pandering, battery, firearm possession during a felony, and possession of prohibited items by an inmate.
In court, several victims and their families gave emotional testimonies and described the long-term trauma and devastation they endured.
“For the rest of my life, I will fear that he will kill me, all because I wouldn’t do what he wanted me to do,” said one victim.
Other victims and their families also described feeling “disgusting” and “unlovable,” suffering from PTSD, depression and anxiety.
The parents of one victim said Gibson used his fame and money to “steal their person … literally stole the souls of all the women they victimized.”
Cash Out denied the charges despite the conviction and said the jury had reached the “wrong judgment.” He also claimed the victims were “bullied” into testifying.
His attorney, Careton Matthews, argued the state had overcharged the case, saying the accusers contradicted themselves with their statements and that co-defendants who cooperated were unreliable.
However, the prosecution, which presented their closing arguments on Thursday (July 18), presented cell phone records, financial data and extensive witness testimony.
“This was a reign of terror for seven years, probably more, but seven years, that’s what we have on the books for the evidence,” said Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Earnelle Winfrey at the time.
Prosecutors described how Gibson recruited women, controlled their movements and finances, isolated them from their families, and forced them into sex work while using the proceeds to finance his lifestyle.
Gibson’s mother, Linda Smith, known as “Morenika Vinnie” and “Mama Ca$h Out,” along with co-defendant Tyrone Taylor, were also convicted. Smith was sentenced to 30 years, and Taylor received life plus 70 years.
Cash Out cannot contact any victims nor their families, he must register as a sex offender, stay away from several addresses in the Atlana area, such as Fulton Industrial Blvd. corridor.
