This weekend saw rapper Coolio arrested for possessing a stolen firearm at LAX. Police received a report of a prohibited item seen at one of LAX’s security scanners. They confiscated a carry-on bag that allegedly contained the prohibited item and detained the man who claimed the bag was his. As police investigated, they learned that the items inside the carry-on bag actually belonged to another passenger that was already aboard the plane.
That passenger happened to be Coolio. The rapper was brought off the plane and, after questioning, he admitted that the bag and the items inside belonged to him. Both Coolio and the other man were arrested and taken to the LAPD Pacific Division Jail. Coolio was able to pay his $37, 308 bail by around 4:50 that afternoon, while the other individual was released. The rapper’s court date is set for Thursday, October 13 2016.
Coolio was charged with two crimes, the first, possession of a firearm by a felon, is covered under California Penal Code 29800 PC. The law makes it illegal for people convicted of a felony, specific misdemeanors, or those who are addicted to narcotics to own or possess guns. Violating 29800 PC is a felony, and the possible penalties include 16 months to 3 years in county jail and/or a maximum fine of $10,000. If the person is a legal immigrant or legal alien, they may also face deportation. Luckily for Coolio, he doesn’t fall into this category.
Because the gun was stolen, Coolio was also charged with violating California Penal Code 487(d)(2) PC, grand theft firearm. This crime is only charged as a felony if the allegedly stolen firearm was worth more than $950 or if the individual in question was previously convicted of either a sex crime or a particularly violent crime like murder or rape. The potential penalties for violations of 487(d)(2) PC include 16 months to 3 years in California state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
