Cash Out trial verdict: Rapper receives life sentence + 70 years on RICO, s*x trafficking convictions

Atlanta rapper Cash Out has been sentenced to life behind bars plus 70 years after he was found guilty in the high-profile RICO trial.

Legally known as John Gibson, the rapper was convicted for his role in an alleged s*x trafficking syndicate. Prosecutors reportedly contended that the crimes went on for years. His sentencing is now scheduled for July 21.

This Friday, he was convicted of RICO, r*pe, pimping, aggravated sodomy, and "two counts of s*x trafficking," alongside his mother, Linda Smith, and cousin, Tyrone Taylor, who were also found guilty of RICO. He was acquitted of the third count of s*x trafficking, in addition to "s*xual servitude, aggravated assault, and place of pr*stitution," Complex has reported.

Everything we know about the case against Cash Out, his mother, and his cousin:

Complex has reported that Cash Out, his mother, and his cousin were reportedly luring victims under the guise of their record company, after which they would force them into prostitution. One woman reportedly testified that she was not fed until she got intimate with men in the “house of horrors.”

During the seven-week trial, prosecutors referred to the rapper's crimes as a “seven-year reign of terror," Hot New Hip Hop has reported. According to Hot 1079, the presiding judge referred to the evidence as “the very worst of human behavior.”

“This ain’t just straight pimping—this is trafficking,” prosecutor Earnell Winfrey reportedly told the jurors.

Prosecutors presented a plethora of evidence, such as texts, payment receipts, and other data. These internal communications pointed to an organized trafficking system, offering proof of the negotiation system and further instructions related to the sale and prostitution of the victims.

“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," one victim testified, per Hot 1079. One parent said that Cash Out “literally stole the souls of all the women they victimized.”

Cash Out rose to fame in the early 2010s, when he debuted his single “Cashin’ Out,” which eventually scaled the Billboard Rap Airplay chart to reach the dominating position. Two years later, he dropped another hit, “She Twerkin," which is also when he released his sole album, “Let’s Get It," Variety has reported.

Hot New Hip Hop reported that Cash Out's legal team tried to separate his image as a rapper from that of the charges, as they contended that none of the women were forced. They alleged that all of the victims were there of their own volition. Smith's defense claimed she had no idea about any s*x trafficking, though prosecutors rubbished these claims.

Complex has reported that during the trial, Cash Out was accused of witness tampering with his mother's help. They allegedly tried to get her to stop working with the authorities.

Furthermore, a 2021 video of Smith being interrogated was also presented in court, which was reportedly recorded after she was arrested at a physical therapy clinic. In it, she can be seen maintaining her innocence, adding that she was just there to visit her friend who skipped out on a probation appointment.

“I mean, y’all acting like I done kidnapped her,” Smith told authorities during the questioning, Complex has reported.

Linda Smith has now been sentenced to 30 years behind bars, while Tyrone Taylor was given the same as his cousin: Life in prison plus another 70 years. The three will all be sentenced concurrently.

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