crime

Several Members Of Sauce Walka’s Crew Arrested On RICO Charges

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After recent updates on YSL’s RICO case have rocked this week, the FBI found another rap-related collective to behave criminally. Federal and local authorities arrested several members of Sauce Walka’s crew in Houston, Texas. Over 200 officials contributed to the apprehension and are on the case.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: Rapper Sauce Walka shoots The First Shot For Charity before the Phoenix Suns played the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Houston division announced the arrest and explained their intent.

“For every violent criminal that we take off the streets, that’s one less person being victimized,” said James Smith, Special Agent in charge of the FBI Houston division.

Authorities arrested 14 alleged gang members from The Sauce Factory just days after its 32-year-old figurehead clowned Gunna for his plea deal on social media. Moreover, Walka joked at the Atlanta rapper’s responses to questions about YSL. “Yes sir,” he jested, “can I go home now?” Also, he reposted his BET cypher over “pushin’ p,” and wrote “I feel sorry for Jeffery.”

As the YSL case has demonstrated, RICO charges and close affiliations can be very damaging to artists and people involved. While authorities didn’t give many specific details about the case, more information is bound to come soon. However, local news reporters did specify some of the charges law officials gave the accused. The TSF crew faces charges of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.

As of now, it’s unclear whether Sauce Walka himself had any involvement in the presented charges. Still, given that it’s a RICO case, it’s likely that law enforcement will investigate the entire collective. As for Gunna, he was seemingly able to avoid the brunt, but we don’t know if TSF members will have that luxury. In addition, many criticized Gunna’s plea deal, whether because of Gunna himself or the system he finds himself in. Maybe TSF will face a similar tough decision, but hopefully their case goes smoothly.

While this story is still developing, what do you think this means for Sauce Walka and The Sauce Factory? Will this be different to YSL’s indictment? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH to catch up with more emerging news from this story.

Idaho University Slayings: New Video Raises Suspicion Around Man Named “Adam”

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Just over a month ago, a tragedy unlike any other struck the community of Moscow, Idaho. At the time, four students were victims of a stabbing in their off-campus residence. Unfortunately for the loved ones of the deceased, as well as concerned locals, the brutal murders remain unsolved. However, on Sunday (December 18), TMZ came through with some updates on the investigation.

Earlier this month police confirmed that they would be upping campus security at the local university ahead of graduation. They had no further information to provide the public then. Still, they did advise everyone to stay alert and travel in large groups. At this time, any potential suspect’s identities are not publicly known. Now, though, new video footage is drawing attention to an unknown man named Adam.

Two of the victims – Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen – spent their last night alive walking with a mysterious male throughout the city’s downtown. Only photo stills of the video are available at this time to protect the investigation. Their outfits are the same as the ones worn in a previously circulating video in which they get a bite at a food truck, just hours before losing their lives.

The unknown man appears in that same clip. He was “later cleared by police as a suspect in the slayings,” TMZ notes. In the newer footage, one of the girls asks her friend, “Maddie, what did you say to Adam?” The second voice, presumed to be Mogen, then says, “Like, I told Adam everything.”

It remains unclear if Adam is someone who police are talking to this point. A Facebook group dedicated to solving the Idaho investigation submitted the related evidence to investigators and is currently awaiting any updates.

Other interesting videos appearing in connection to the case include body cam footage from a police officer. The policeman spoke with three people seemingly partaking in underage drinking. The incident took place near the crime scene and around the time of the murders.

Some believe they can hear a scream in the background of the clip. Others, though, argue that it’s just the sound of tires screeching. Another report from the Daily Mail specifically states that the audio seemingly contains a scream picked up on a police mic around 3:12 AM.

Presently, the assailant(s) of the four University of Idaho students remains at large. The murder weapon is also missing, though authorities believe it to be a combat knife.

Read more about other recent updates in the ongoing investigation here. RIP.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Bodyguard Said Tory Lanez Apologized For Shooting: Report

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The legal battle between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez ramped up this week, as both sides give their testimonies. Recently, Meg’s former bodyguard Justin Edison did not attend trial proceedings when called to testify. While some see this as Meg’s case disintegrating, many have noticed how fishy this seems. A source told Rolling Stone that Edison gave a statement that Lanez apologized to him for shooting Megan.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

According to these new reports, Edison primarily contributed to authorities charging Tory in the first place. Apparently, the bodyguard went to the Canadian rapper’s house to get his client’s belongings. After, he claims that Lanez apologized to him for the shooting, and issued a witness statement in reference. However, other witnesses backtracked rather than disappeared, such as Meg’s friend Kelsey Harris.

Regardless, Edison didn’t appear in court to give this testimony, which caused many to raise eyebrows. “Megan bodyguard Justin Edison is now considered a missing person,” one user wrote on Twitter. However, the Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ that there’s no missing person’s case for Edison.

Said user stated, “He was supposed to testify yesterday. He’s the sole reason Tory got charged. He went to Tory house to get Megan’s things, he claim Tory confessed that he shot Meg and now he’s missing out of nowhere, yeah okay.”

Seemingly, authorities in the LAPD dismissed Edison’s disappearance enough to not warrant a missing person’s case. Still, Rolling Stone’s report suggests that there’s a lot of withheld information in this case. Also, if Edison issued that statement and had every intention to testify, it would support the Houston rapper’s emotional testimony. However, things in court are not that easy. As witnesses flip and the case impacts Meg’s personal life, people are unsure of how far this will go.

But what do you think of Edison’s testimony, disappearance, and the LAPD’s actions? How do you think this case between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez will develop? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on this story.

50 Cent Compares Megan Thee Stallion Case To Jussie Smollett

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Megan Thee Stallion’s court case against her alleged shooter Tory Lanez took some wild turns in the courthouse. Amid missing witnesses, contradicting stories, and backtracked testimonies, Meg and Tory have both faced scrutiny and criticism for their accounts. However, the Houston rapper in particular reckoned with a lot of backlash to her experience and side of the story. 50 Cent is the latest to question Meg’s side, as he published a tweet comparing her to former Power star Jussie Smollett.

LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 17: (L-R) Recording artist 50 Cent and actors Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett attend the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Larry Busacca/BMA2015/Getty Images for dcp)

In 50’s post, he included a meme of Megan morphing into Smollett and a link to his G-Unit merch. Readers likely remember that the actor staged a racist and homophobic attack on himself in 2019 because he was not happy with his salary.

The New York rapper posted the caption, “Damn i’m confused all this shit going around i don’t know what to think. LOL.”

Meg’s been fighting for her case in public since April of this year, where she had her first TV appearance since the July 2020 shooting. Furthermore, she told CBS This Morning‘s Gayle King that she was never intimately close with her alleged shooter. However, in this week’s trial proceedings, the court found that her and Tory Lanez had been romantically involved. Also, Meg’s former best friend Kelsey Harris contradicted her previous testimonies that she saw Tory shoot Megan.

Therefore, her lawyers are concerned that there’s been witness tampering. Meanwhile, the Canadian rapper said that a fight broke out the night of the alleged shooting over jealousy. He claims that he slept with both friends, which started an argument. Moreover, Tory sent an apology to the “NDA” rapper, which he used as primary evidence in court.

He tweeted in February, “Good dick had me f**king 2 best friends, and I got caught. That’s what I apologized 4. It’s sick how u spun it tho.” Unfortunately, male rappers coming down on the female MC’s traumatizing experience has been a trend this year.

What do you think of 50’s jabs? In addition, what’s your take on the legal battle between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on this investigation.

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Lil Duke Takes Plea Deal Following Gunna & Other YSL Members

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After Gunna announced his release from jail after a plea deal, authorities freed other members of YSL in quick succession. While many are excited at the news, others have been critical of the conditions of this plea deal. Nevertheless, Lil Duke also took his shot, where defendants pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to violate the RICO act. Since him and other YSL members did not face criminal charges, their sentences have been altered following this negotiation.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Lil Duke and Gunna attend Gunna’s DS4EVER LA Listening Party on January 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DS4EVER Presented by Gunna, Young Stoner Life Records, 300 Entertainment)

In addition to Gunna and Lil Duke, two other members of YSL entered the agreement. YSL co-founder Walter Murphy entered the same plea deal as Gunna’s, known as an Alford plea. Slimelife Shawty recently took to Instagram to share his freedom and snuff out claims of snitching.

“Yea I’m home,” he wrote, “ain have to snitch to get here d***head. I admitted you slime life was a gang cus it ain’t illegal for no group to be a gang look it up that don’t hurt nobody anybody can be a gang, plus the founder already admitted it stupid. What I pose to say if a founder admitted it. What I den do was say Yes it’s a fact people in ysl commit crimes like murder and etc cus ion no nun bout that.”

However, many are still critical of this whole ordeal. 6ix9ine, an alleged “rat” himself, said that Gunna is a snitch no matter what.

“Once you plea guilty, you admit to the crime,” he told Wack 100 in addition to his Instagram post. “Once you plea guilty, that’s it, you admitting. You walking into that courtroom, you gonna admit everything you did wrong. So now anything you said is gonna be used against your man. Once I say yes I’m guilty, I was there, once you go under oath in the courtroom your man is dead. You just hung up your man.”

Meanwhile, Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel believes that these plea deals are a huge hindrance to YSL’s RICO case. Since these deals come with at least some form of admission, he believes the court will unjustly pin collective actions squarely against Thugger.

Still, what do you think of Lil Duke’s plea deal and others at YSL? Let us know in the comments below and check back in with HNHH for the latest case updates.

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Jewish Man Assaulted In New York, Attacker Yells “Kanye 2024”

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Kanye West’s rants and public statements as of late dangerously inspired more direct and hateful actions in others. According to the New York Police Department, a man in his mid-40s attacked a 63-year-old Jewish man in Central Park. On Wednesday (December 14th), the assailant struck the other man from behind, resulting in a broken hand, chipped tooth, and other injuries. Reportedly, the attacker yelled antisemitic slurs and shouted “Kanye 2024.” Afterwards, he escaped on a bicycle with a cart attached and a sign that read “Hungry Disabled.” The assailant is still at large, though fortunately the assaulted is in stable condition.

NYPD called this an antisemitic incident upfront. Moreover, organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League warned media outlets of the effects of Kanye’s rhetoric. Scott Richman, who leads the League’s New York/New Jersey division, recently spoke to CNN about these instigations.

“When public figures with huge platforms fan the flames of antisemitism, people will copy it and begin to think it’s normal,” Richman told the outlet.

Furthermore, the city’s police department is investigating this case as a hate crime. They’ve requested assistance from the public in identifying the assailant, who they described as having light complexion, a brown jacket, a multi-colored hat, beige pants, and white sneakers.

ABC7 reported a 70 percent increase in hate crimes in New York City last month compared to November 2021. Also, antisemitic attacks rose by 125 percent in this time frame. The NYPD shared data that recorded 45 hate crimes last November, and 20 in November of last year.

However, this is not the first time that Kanye West’s praise of Nazis and attacks toward the Jewish community were directly instigative. A group of antisemites gathered on a Los Angeles freeway shouting hateful speech and brandishing signs. One of them read “Kanye is right about the Jews.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Kanye West is seen on November 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The Anti-Defamation League’s CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, called Ye’s tirades “vicious.” In addition, the Republican Jewish Coalition “vehemently condemned” the artist and urged public servants and political leaders to “reject these messages of hate.” Moreover, these condemnations come after brands like Adidas cut ties with him and his university revoked his honorary degree.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Bodyguard Disappears Before Tory Lanez Testimony: Report

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We’re one week into Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion’s trial. Already, there’s been what feels like a year’s worth of drama and chaos unfolding. Though things started out smoothly, it wasn’t long before things began to turn. Most notably, Kelsey Harris’ testimony found her suddenly forgetting several significant details regarding the shooting.

Luckily, she previously gave an on-camera interview with the police. Due to her demeanour on the stand, the prosecution was able to play the footage for the jury. In it, the Houston rapper’s former best friend says that she saw Tory shoot Megan. On the stand, however, she only admitted to hearing gunshots ring out that night.

Megan Thee Stallion whose legal name is Megan Pete arrives at court to testify in the trial of Rapper Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting her on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

People have been speculating that Harris may have been “compromised” or accepted a bribe from the Canadian to stay silent. The details of that are sure to come to light in the future. For now, a more pressing matter has come forward.

According to The Shade Room, Thee Stallion’s former bodyguard, Justin Edison, was among those due to take the stand on Friday (December 16). However, it appears he’s now missing. According to a report posted on Saturday (December 17), the UCLA alum cannot be located, causing concern amongst his friends and family.

“We recently learned that Justin Edison went missing right before he was scheduled to appear in court,” the “Hot Girl Summer” artist’s attorney, Alex Spiro, told the outlet.

According to a previous story from The Sun, the missing man played college football after finishing high school in LA. Afterward, he went on to play in the Indoor Football League and eventually connected with Megan to become her bodyguard.

After the incident with Lanez, Edison spoke out on Instagram. “If you know me and you know her well enough, not only do you know I wasn’t physically present during [the] events, but you know why,” he said, revealing that he wasn’t there when his client was shot.

“If you don’t know me or her well enough, she good. I’m here now, and she’ll never step foot outside without me plus some n*ggas who don’t aim at feet present,” the former athlete went on.

Presently, the only other detail provided by TSR is that LAPD is investigating Edison’s disappearance.

Read what Megan Thee Stallion had to say about Pardison Fontaine’s thoughts on her trial here. Additionally, make sure to check back later for any updates.

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Man Charged With Murder Of Rapper Snootie Wild

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Authorities have arrested a man and charged him with murdering Memphis rapper Snootie Wild, according to NBC reports on Thursday (December 15th). Moreover, they identified him as 22-year-old Ivory Duke Williams, but revealed no further details about the case. ABC13 reported in February that authorities found Snootie Wild in a ditch suffering from a gunshot wound. He tragically succumbed to them while in the hospital.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 20: Rapper Snootie Wild performs at The Rich and Famous All Star Weekend Grand Finale at The Metropolitan on February 20, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

As officials reported, a woman called Houston police around 2 a.m. on February 25th for assistance with a stuck vehicle. She claimed that Snootie, real name LePreston Porter, drew a gun on her as others attempted to help. Later, when gunshots rang, the woman fled the scene with several other vehicles with no knowledge of Porter’s injuries. Then, authorities on the scene found the rapper and transported him to the hospital.

Snootie Wild worked with Yo Gotti’s CMG label and made many hits with Memphis artists such as “Yayo.” Following his untimely passing, his family issued a statement honoring his memory.

“We are devastated by the untimely passing of our beloved LePreston Porter, known to the world as gold-selling and Billboard charting Hip Hop recording artist Snootie Wild,” they wrote. “He meant the world to us. A son, loving boyfriend, brother to four sisters, a father of seven, and a nephew and cousin to a host of others, he held many roles within our family and was a big kid at heart. LePreston was a beautiful, compassionate and talented soul whose presence was ever felt within our family.

“Though we ask for privacy at this time,” it went on, “we invite you to join us in not only remembering him and his music but also supporting our pursuit for answers and a thorough investigation by the Houston, TX police department that will bring his killers to justice.”

What is your favorite Snootie Wild song, album, or related art that still speaks to you? Join us in honoring his memory by revisiting our interview with him here. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest case updates. Rest In Peace Snootie Wild.

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Speaks On Recent YSL Deals

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Given recent news of Gunna’s release from jail, many are wondering how the rest of the YSL case will develop. Meanwhile, people are unsure whether this bodes well for its boss, Young Thug, or if he will face increased consequences. His lawyer, Brian Steel, spoke about these plea deals within YSL and how they might actually be hurting him. According to Steel, law enforcement will take advantage of people seeking release in exchange for information incriminating Thugger (Jeffery Williams).

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been processed using digital filters.) Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Steel stated, “When they want a deal, law enforcement officers are all too eager to say, ‘Well, tell us about Mr. Williams. Was he involved in this, what do you know about it? That’s the problem with this case. It’s coming from the word of people who are getting deals to say ‘Yeah, he was there. I saw him around’ or ‘He gave the order’ or ‘I heard from someone else he gave the order.’ That’s what this case is about. You’re not gonna hear any confession of Jeffery Williams.”

Furthermore, Gunna spoke about his recent plea deal and explained the circumstances. He wrote, “While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.” YSL co-founder Walter Murphy also took a plea deal.

Meanwhile, Young Thug’s legal battles took stranger turns indeed this week. Indeed, a naked man boasting “Free Young Thug” disrupted the “Digits” rapper’s hearing via Zoom on Thursday (December 15th). Moreover, the hearing was to suppress evidence in YSL’s RICO case.

While authorities scrambled to turn courtroom monitors off, they already had delayed the hearing by several hours given tech issues. Still, Thug attended the hearing in-person for the first time since his arrest, and he scored a big win. Judge Glanville prohibited prosecutors from using mobile phones and other evidence taken from the rapper’s home with no search warrant in 2015. Moreover, prosecutors intended to present said evidence at the January trial. Needless to say, the Zoom bomber brought a much less helpful surprise.

What do you think of Steel’s remarks and the YSL plea deals? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest case updates.

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Slimelife Shawty Released In Third YSL Plea Deal

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Recent releases and negotiations indicate that the YSL gang indictment saga may be entering a new phase of more freedom. Many of the Atlanta label’s members are doing time and accused of racketeering, gun and drug distribution, and other charges. Meanwhile, fans were ecstatic about the news of Gunna’s release this week. Also, officials also freed YSL rapper Slimelife Shawty on a plea deal, the third so far in this case.

Moreover, Shawty requested an Alford plea, which is the same one Gunna’s team employed. The 24-year-old pleaded guilty as a first offender to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Meanwhile, the court will sentence him to ten years: one year commuted to time served, and nine of probation.

EAST POINT, GEORGIA – APRIL 22: (L-R) Dolly White, Unfoonk, HiDoraah, Strick, BSlime, Young Thug, Yak Gotti, YTB Trench, T-Shyne, Lil Keed, Lil Duke, and FN DaDealer attend Young Stoner Life Meet & Greet at DTLR Camp Creek on April 22, 2021 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Moreover, Slimelife Shawty grew up on Cleveland Ave, the same neighborhood that Young Thug, Lil Keed, and Lil Got did. However, he’s with Alamo Records, and made waves Keed’s viral track “Blicky Blicky.” Shawty’s attorney reportedly stated that most charges he faced of “in furtherance of this conspiracy” were not criminal. Later, Shawty posted on his Instagram story to share the good news- and clarify it.

“Yea I’m home,” he wrote via text on a black background. “Ain have to snitch to get here dickhead . I admitted young slime life was a gang cus it ain’t illegal for no group to be a gang look it up that don’t hurt nobody anybody can be a gang , plus the founder already admitted it stupid. what I pose to say if a founder admitted it. what I den do was say Yes it’s a fact people in ysl commit crimes like murder and etc cus ion no nun bout that .”

Similarly, Gunna’s statement of release clarified that he wasn’t speaking against his crew. “While I have agreed to always be truthful,” he remarked, “I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.” While his statement, along with court footage, has received a wealth of positive reactions from other rappers, some were critical.

What do you think of YSL’s Slimelife Shawty’s release and plea deal? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

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