Wednesday, November 21, 2007

T.I. Says Evidence Illegally Obtained

Rapper T.I. has accused authorities in Atlanta, Georgia, of obtaining evidence unlawfully in relation to his illegal weapons charges. The Bring 'Em Out star - real name Clifford Harris Jr. - was arrested in his hometown of Atlanta last month (Oct07) on suspicion of taking possession of three machine guns and two silencers that a bodyguard allegedly purchased on his behalf. But the MC's legal team filed a number of motions in a U.S. District Court on Monday (19Nov07) asking for a judge to prohibit the use of evidence seized on the day of his arrest, in addition to statements he made to police during the incident.

T.I.'s attorneys claim the rapper's car was raided without a search warrant, consent or probable cause, while his statements to authorities may not have been made voluntarily. Therefore, they allege the federal agents failed to honour his rights as a U.S. citizen.

T.I. is currently being held on house arrest under 24-hour surveillance after being released from jail on $3 million (£1.5 million) bail. A date for his trial has yet to be set. The 27-year-old is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (£125,000) fine for each count - possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon - if convicted.

(www.wenn.com)

No comments: