ATLANTA,None — Atlanta rapper T.I. was sentenced to 11 months in jail after a recent drug arrest in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said the Grammy award-winning rapper, also known as Clifford Harris, was stopped Sept. 1 on a Hollywood street after making an illegal U-turn.
Police said they found several pills confirmed to be a controlled substance. The arrest occurred while the rapper was on probation for a previous firearms violation conviction.
Rapper T.I. To Serve 11 Months In Drug Arrest
The rapper tried to defend himself during an Atlanta court hearing at 2 p.m. on Friday. He told judge Charles Pannell Jr., the same judge who sentenced him for the firearms violation, that he was scared to go to jail.
Members of the media were barred from entering the court room, but Channel 2 Action News received updates from Patrick Crosby, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta.
"I need the court to give me mercy. Judge, don't send me back to prison," the rapper said.
Harris and his lawyer, Ed Garland, argued that the rapper is battling a drug addiction.
"I want drugs out of my life. If I can get treatment and counseling I need ... I can beat this," Harris said.
Leo Chavarria, WSB-TV TI Sketch 2
Garland said although Harris' last case had no drug provision, the rapper has used marijuana for 10 years. He also said Harris was prescribed oxycodone for seven root canals and other extractions.
Garland said Harris also began drinking cough syrup and soda this summer to cope with a grueling tour schedule.
"He started off the wagon, like an alcoholic. That's what happened to this young man, so he failed his commitment, with drugs that relaxed him in his schedule," Garland said.
But the pleas were in vain. The rapper will soon be serving almost a year in prison.