A New York City rapper who appeared alongside President Donald Trump at a 2024 campaign rally has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting he used his music career earnings to bankroll gang violence in Brooklyn.
Sheff G, born Michael Williams, received the sentence Wednesday after pleading guilty earlier this year to attempted murder and conspiracy. He will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, but Williams and the judge agreed to the five-year term over the government’s objections.
“This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement following the sentencing.
The 27-year-old rapper rose to prominence with songs and videos that garnered millions of views on YouTube and Spotify, but prosecutors said his career profits financed violent activity by the 8 Trey Crips and their affiliate, the 9 Ways gang. Authorities allege Sheff G rewarded members with cash, jewelry, and even extravagant meals to celebrate shootings.
Investigators said Sheff G acted as a getaway driver in a 2021 shooting that targeted a rival but instead struck two bystanders. He also treated gang members to a Manhattan steakhouse dinner in 2020 to celebrate a shooting that killed one man and injured five others. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, social media posts, text messages, and lyrics as evidence tying him to the violence.
More than 30 alleged members of the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways have been indicted as part of the investigation, with 23 pleading guilty and seven cases still pending.
Among them was fellow rapper Tegan Chambers, known as Sleepy Hallow, who also shared the stage with Trump and Sheff G at a May 23, 2024, campaign rally in the Bronx. Chambers was sentenced last week to one year in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges.
Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow’s appearance with Trump drew scrutiny at the time because their gang-related charges had already been made public. Asked whether Trump’s campaign was aware of the allegations, spokesman Steven Cheung brushed off the controversy, quoting Sheff G: “They always whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures.”
The rappers’ presence was highlighted by Trump as part of his outreach to Black voters during his successful return to the White House.
Defense attorney Arthur Aidala, who represented Sheff G, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday. He previously said the plea agreement was “in the best interest of everyone involved.”
Source: AP
