Casanova will reportedly remain behind bars until he stands trial on charges of racketeering and drug trafficking. According toVladTV,the Brooklyn-bred rapper appeared in a New York City courtroom on Thursday morning (January 28) in hopes of securing bail, but he was denied.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Davison said while the defense had presented a “formidable” argument for freeing him on $2.5 million bail, Davison was concerned about the danger Casanova poses to the community.
“When you go back to the history and characteristics of this defense … this is a defendant who has, over the last decade, managed to rack up three serious violent felony convictions,” Davison said. “It is quite reasonable to infer that people who cross (Casanova) get hurt.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Felton added, “He sits near the very top of a violent organization. He’s one of the top leaders and narcotic suppliers in a large scale operation that was carried out by more junior members of Gorilla Stone.”
Casanova was one of 18 alleged members of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation gang who was arrested last November on charges of murder, attempted murder, racketeering, assault, fraud and more. Still, his attorney proposed freeing him on a $2.5 million bond provided by 13 people who would put up money or property him. But he would’ve had to agreed to be placed on house arrest and wear an ankle monitor.
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Casanova’s attorney James Kousouros said prosecutors had provided no evidence to back up the allegations against Casanova and is expecting an acquittal. He said photos of guns found on Casanova’s phones were fake weapons used to promote the song “Gripped Up.”
“We say the government is providing the court with photos of weapons that are promotional photographs,” Kousouros said. “(Casanova’s) appearances are very public, they’re photographed. You never see him with a weapon.”
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The 34-year-old Roc Nation artist faces up to life in prison if convicted, although he maintains his innocence. Hours before he turned himself in, Casanova recorded a video in which he said, “As you already know I’m fighting serious charges right now. But um, I’m innocent – that’s one. Two, I been fighting my whole life so I’ll get through this. But just understand how they could get you jammed up.”
