Jury Selection Begins for Atlanta Rapper Cash Out and His Mother, Who Are Accused of Trafficking

Jury selection is underway in the high-profile trial of Atlanta rapper Cash Out—real name John Michael Hakeem Gibson—and his mother, Linda Smith, who are facing serious charges including rape, sex trafficking, and coercing women into prostitution. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges, which stem from a sweeping criminal investigation into alleged exploitation under the guise of a music business.

Gibson, best known for his hit singles “Cashin’ Out” and “She Twerkin,” is accused of leading an enterprise that used his music career and label to lure and exploit young women.

Three additional defendants are also on trial, all accused of using Pyrez Music Group LLC as a front to recruit women into commercial sex work. According to prosecutors, the group’s criminal activity dates back as far as 2013 and involves a pattern of racketeering, trafficking, and violence.

In a 2023 re-indictment, prosecutors allege: “Although now administratively dissolved, Cash Out used PMG (Pyrez Music Group, LLC), along with his brand name ‘Cash Out,’ to promote his music and the 'Cash Out' brand, and through the use of deception and then coercion, enticed and recruited women from social media platforms to engage in commercial sexual activity.”

The trial is expected to span several weeks as prosecutors lay out their case against the alleged enterprise and its reported ringleader.

Source: 11 Alive