Dancehall entertainer Squash, born Andrae Maurice Whittaker, is now dealing with critical federal prices in the US after native authorities dropped their case in opposition to him in Miami-Dade County.
The authorized twist got here on Wednesday, June 5, throughout an arraignment listening to earlier than Decide Ariel Rodriguez. The proceedings had been abruptly halted when federal prosecutors introduced their determination to take over the case. Consequently, the unique prices of possession of a modified firearm and carrying a hid weapon with no allow have been formally dismissed.
Of their place, Squash is now charged on the federal stage with:
- One rely of being an alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition
- One rely of illegal possession of a machine gun
Authorized specialists say these new prices are considerably extra critical and carry stiff penalties. Every cost might end in as much as 10 years in jail, with the potential for a compulsory minimal sentence of 15 years if the accused has prior convictions. A conviction for possessing a firearm as a non-citizen might additionally result in deportation.
Squash had beforehand pleaded not responsible and requested a jury trial within the native courtroom system. That trial now seems more likely to happen in federal courtroom as a substitute.
The artist was arrested in February following an investigation involving the FBI. Arrest data point out {that a} federal agent reportedly noticed Squash being handed what was believed to be a firearm.
Regardless of a number of inquiries, the entertainer’s authorized group in Miami has not commented on the event.
Federal authorities typically take over instances involving extra critical or advanced firearms offenses, and sources within the State Lawyer’s Workplace say such jurisdictional shifts are usually not unusual.
Squash, who is understood within the dancehall scene because the “Six Boss,” now faces a probably prolonged authorized battle and vital penalties if convicted.
