ATLANTA — A juror who helped convict Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out, his mother and his cousin spoke publicly for the first time since the verdict.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln spoke exclusively with one of the jurors on Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m.
The juror, who chose to remain anonymous, said the decision to convict wasn’t one they took lightly.
John-Michael Hakim Gibson, better known as Ca$h Out, was found guilty last week of leading a sex trafficking enterprise. His mother, Linda Smith, and cousin, Tyrone Taylor, were also convicted for their roles.
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“We took copious notes, you may have seen us scribbling,” the juror said.
Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors reviewed a 46-count RICO indictment filled with disturbing allegations. The case included jail calls, cellphone records and surveillance footage that jurors said ultimately painted a clear picture.
“The state’s evidence was so compelling, and they had so much of it,” the juror added. “There was no swaying, we were very careful. We went count by count.”
Gibson was convicted of rape and forcing women into prostitution. His mother, Smith, was found guilty of allowing property in her name to be used for prostitution. Taylor was convicted of raping a woman and forcing her into sex work.
At sentencing, each defendant had a chance to speak.
“The things I’ve been accused of, I know I haven’t done those things,” Gibson said.
“I take accountability. I pray for them continually,” Smith said.
“The victims who are accusing me ... I didn’t do it,” Taylor told the court.
Victim impact statements were read during the hearing, including one from a woman who was raped by both Gibson and Taylor.
“The day these defendants chose to commit these crimes against me, they gave me a life sentence,” the woman said.
The juror expressed sorrow for everyone involved.
“I’m so sad. I’m sad for the victims, and I’m sad for the defendants too,” she said.
All three were convicted under Georgia’s RICO Act. Gibson and Taylor were sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years, while Smith was sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
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