VH1 reality star Benzino is looking at some serious time in the slammer.
Raymond “Benzino” Scott is facing 15 years in prison on felony drug-related charges if convicted. In January 2017, he was arrested in Cobb County, Georgia after cops executed a search warrant inside of his Atlanta apartment and found a slew of drugs. Police located 22 grams of THC oil gummies, less than an ounce of marijuana and six MDMA (ecstasy/ molly) pills inside of his kitchen counters and drawers, TMZ reported.
The “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” star and his attorneys contended that the search was illegal, but a Georgia judge ruled indifferent. He was released from jail on a $12,000 bond.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 10: Benzino attends “The Next 15” Atlanta screening at Suite Lounge on February 10, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
However, Benzino believed that being a Black man played a factor in his case and called Cobb County one of the most racist counties in the country.
“It’s in Cobb County, Georgia. Do your homework. Cobb County, Georgia is one of the most racists counties, not just in Georgia, but in America,” the music producer told TMZ before going into further detail about how the search warrant was illegal.
Benzino and his legal team were reportedly heading to court yesterday Wednesday, Dec. 12, but there is no word on when his trial will begin. Sources say it could be as soon as next month if he decides not to take a plea deal. The star also said that if he does go to trial and possibly gets exonerated, he plans on suing Georgia authorities.
Benzino appeared on three seasons of “LHHATL” before he was given the boot in 2014 for allegedly making death threats towards his former best friend Stevie J. and cast-mate Joseline Hernandez. However, Benzino denied the allegations and claimed that VH1 producers just wanted to keep a “crackhead whore” on the show.
“Stevie J is a habitual liar and VH1 has never given me a reason for being fired,” Benzino said.
