Rapper Coolio Spared Jail Time For Carrying Loaded Weapon Into An Airport

Coolio, 53, plead guilty for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sentenced to three years probation and 45 days of community service.

COOLIO SENTENCES THREE YEARS OF PROBATION

The rapper, real name Artis Leon Ivey, could have faced up to three years in prison based on his crime. Coolio was charged for bringing a stolen, loaded pistol in a backpack into Los Angeles International Airport last month. He plead guilty to carrying a concealed weapon as well.

The Grammy winner already has two felony offenses on his record, one from 2001 for carrying a concealed weapon, and the other from 2009 for cocaine possession.

“I do not condone the use of firearms, legal or illegal,” Coolio said in court. “Thanks to the court and the attorneys handing this for me so I can still do the work that I do.” He described his actions as a “mistake” and “a misunderstanding.”

Provided he fulfills his community service and stays out of trouble, a spokesman for the prosecutors Ricardo Santiago says Coolio could have his felony changed to a misdemeanor.

The rapper is perhaps best know for his chart-topping hit “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Watch the video below.