Quando Rondo has formally pleaded guilty in a federal case accusing the rapper of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to WTOC, the Georgia rapper entered the guilty plea during a court hearing on Tuesday (August 13), after previously reaching a plea deal on lesser charges in June.
Rondo and 18 other men were arrested in June last year on weapons possession, drug conspiracy and gang activity charges and initially faced up to 20 years in prison. However, as part of the deal, he now only faces up to five years in prison.
A pre-sentencing investigation will follow and a federal judge will sentence Rondo on December 12.
The rapper spoke to reporters at a press conference after court, apologizing to his hometown, family and friends.
“I really want to apologize to the city of Savannah,” he said. “I would like to apologize to my family, friends, loved ones and especially my daughters for leading all of my family and loved ones through this stressful time.”
After his arrest, Rondo (real name Taiquan Bowman) was charged with 14 counts, including possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and conspiracy to commit other persons Possession and distribution of drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana.
He was previously charged with two counts of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s controlled substance laws, one count of engaging in criminal activity related to a street gang and one count of unlawful use of a cell phone to facilitate drug transactions.
The 25-year-old was released on bail shortly before Christmas after paying $100,000 bail.
Quando was subsequently placed on house arrest and must strictly abide by a number of bail conditions, including attending substance abuse treatment, surrendering his passport, monitoring his location, avoiding contact with any victims, witnesses or co-defendants and not changing his phone number.
