Dancehall entertainer, Chronic Law, pleaded not guilty to a federal gun possession charge when he was arraigned in a Georgia court on Monday.
The 32-year-old entertainer, whose given name is Ackeme Jermane Campbell, is accused of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
In a hearing that lasted 17 minutes, Chronic Law was advised of his rights and the maximum potential sentence he’s facing.
He was later denied bail.
In a motion appearing on the record on Sunday, the prosecution argued there are no conditions that could be set for the St Thomas native to guarantee his appearance at trial, nor the safety of other people and the community.
The prosecution say they believe there is a serious risk Chronic Law will flee, if released on bond.
Judge Sheppard ordered the entertainer to remain in the custody of US Marshalls until his trial.
The judge also ordered both parties to release discovery to each other within 30 days.
If found guilty, Chronic Law faces up to 10 years in prison and the possibility of deportation.
According to the criminal complaint by the Feds, Chronic Law was detained in Georgia in November last year after he was caught speeding and attempting to evade the police.
The Feds allege that four guns were found in the car being operated by Chronic Law at the time of his arrest. They also allege one of the guns was reported stolen in Florida.
Following a separate arrest in February this year, the Feds allege that Chronic Law admitted to being in possession of the firearms, saying they were used in music videos.
The Feds claim what seems to be two of the guns appear in separate music videos featuring the entertainer.
They further claim that while Chronic Law does have the requisite visa to live and work in the United States, the document does not grant him permission to carry a firearm. They say separate authorisation is required to carry a firearm; an authorisation they say Chronic Law did not have.
His next court hearing has not been set.
