Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out, whose real name is John Michael Gibson, and his mother, Linda Smith, were convicted of serious crimes, including RICO violations and sex trafficking, in a Fulton County courtroom. The high-profile case, which exposed a dark underbelly of alleged criminal activity tied to the rapper’s music label, has left fans and the community stunned. With sentencing set for July 21, 2025, the pair faces the possibility of decades behind bars.
The trial, which spanned several weeks, revealed disturbing details about an alleged sex trafficking operation run through Ca$h Out’s Pyrez Music Group LLC. Prosecutors claimed the label lured young women with promises of money and career opportunities, only to force them into prostitution. Witnesses shared emotional accounts, with some alleging they were raped and coerced into sex work, sometimes denied food unless they complied. One particularly chilling testimony came from Ca$h Out’s ex-girlfriend, who said he pressured her into sex work while they lived together, adding weight to the prosecution’s case.
Ca$h Out was found guilty of rape, pimping, aggravated sodomy, two counts of sex trafficking, and RICO charges. However, the jury acquitted him on one count of sex trafficking, sexual servitude, aggravated assault, and running a place of prostitution. His mother, Linda Smith, was convicted of one count of trafficking and RICO violations but cleared of another trafficking charge and a prostitution count. A third defendant, Tyrone Taylor, was also found guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, and RICO charges, though acquitted of pimping. The RICO law, a powerful tool used to target organized crime, played a central role in linking the defendants’ actions to a broader criminal enterprise.
The defense, led by attorney Careton Matthews, argued that the charges, especially the RICO counts, were overblown, insisting there was no clear evidence of a structured criminal organization. Despite these efforts, the jury’s verdict underscored the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, including a jail call where Linda Smith allegedly discussed silencing a victim. This call, among other testimonies, painted a grim picture of manipulation and exploitation.
As the case moves to sentencing on July 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., the defendants face severe penalties. In Georgia, RICO convictions can carry 5 to 20 years in prison, while sex trafficking charges may result in 10 to 30 years. With multiple guilty verdicts, consecutive sentences could mean decades in prison for Ca$h Out and his mother. The sentencing hearing, expected to be a pivotal moment, will be streamed live for the public to follow.
