Michael Williams, the New York City rapper known as Sheff G, has been sentenced to five years in prison. The sentence comes after he pleaded guilty to charges that he used his earnings from a successful music career to finance gang violence in Brooklyn. Williams, 27, appeared alongside Donald Trump at a campaign rally just last year.
Key Takeaways
- Rapper Sheff G (Michael Williams) was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
- He pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy as part of a plea agreement.
- Prosecutors said Williams used his music industry income to fund and encourage violent acts by gang members in Brooklyn.
- Another rapper, Sleepy Hallow, who also appeared at the Trump rally, was sentenced to one year in jail on a related conspiracy charge.
Details of the Sentencing
On Wednesday, a judge formally imposed the five-year prison term on Michael Williams. This sentence was determined by a plea deal he accepted earlier this year. Upon his release, Williams will be subject to an additional five years of supervised release, a period during which his activities will be monitored by authorities.
The charges stemmed from a comprehensive investigation into gang activities in Brooklyn. Williams pleaded guilty to serious offenses, including two counts of attempted murder in the second degree and one count of conspiracy in the second degree.
The Broader Investigation
The case against Williams was part of a larger law enforcement action targeting the 8 Trey Crips and an affiliated group, the 9 Ways gang. The investigation has resulted in the indictment of over 30 individuals. According to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, 23 of those charged have now pleaded guilty to various crimes, while seven cases remain active.
Prosecutors Outline Use of Music Funds for Violence
Prosecutors detailed how Williams leveraged his status and financial success as a rapper to support and direct criminal activities. With millions of views on YouTube and streams on Spotify, his music generated significant income that was allegedly funneled into a violent gang conflict.
Specific Incidents Cited
The prosecution presented evidence of Williams' direct involvement in violent acts. In one instance from 2021, he allegedly acted as a getaway driver for three co-defendants after a shooting. The intended target was a rival, but two uninvolved bystanders were struck by gunfire instead.
Authorities also claimed that Williams celebrated violence committed by his associates. After a 2020 shooting that resulted in the death of a rival gang member and injured five other people, Williams reportedly treated gang members to an expensive dinner at a high-end steakhouse in Manhattan as a reward.
Evidence in the Case
The investigation relied on a wide range of evidence to build the case against the rappers and their associates. This included surveillance footage, text messages, social media posts, and other digital communications. Prosecutors also noted that the rappers often referenced their criminal activities in their song lyrics.
Appearance at Political Rally
The legal troubles facing Sheff G and his associate Tegan Chambers, known as Sleepy Hallow, were already public knowledge when they appeared on stage with Donald Trump at a campaign rally in the Bronx in May 2024. The appearance was part of Trump's effort to attract support from Black voters.
When questioned at the time about the campaign's awareness of the charges against the rappers, a spokesperson provided a statement.
"As Sheff G said, ‘They always whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures,’" responded campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung.
Chambers (Sleepy Hallow) was sentenced last week to one year in jail after he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge connected to the same investigation.
Official Reactions to the Case
Following the sentencing, Brooklyn's District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, commented on the outcome of the case. He highlighted the contrast between the opportunities Williams had and the choices he made.
"This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future," Gonzalez stated.
Arthur Aidala, the lawyer representing Sheff G, had previously stated that the plea agreement was in the "best interest of everyone involved." He did not provide an immediate comment following the official sentencing on Wednesday.