Coolio Reaches Plea Deal in Gun Case

Rapper faced three years in state prison if convicted as charged

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Coolio has avoided jail time in a gun possession case he was facing.

The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper reached a plea deal on Wednesday, pleading guilty to a felony charge of carrying a concealed firearm, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told TheWrap.

In exchange for the plea, Coolio — real name: Artis Leon Ivey — received three years of formal probation. He must also complete 45 days of community service.

The rapper, who had two prior convictions, could have received up to three years in state prison if convicted on the most recent charge.

According to prosecutors, a handgun was allegedly found in Coolio’s bag while going through baggage inspection at Los Angeles International Airport in September.

Shortly after the alleged incident at LAX, the rapper discussed the situation in a YouTube post, saying that he’s “fine.”

“I just want to say something about the little misunderstanding at the airport today,” Coolio said at the time. “Everything’s fine. I’m fine. As you can see, I’m at P.F. Chang’s having a meal and having a few drinks. I don’t know what the result of this is in the future, but for now, I’m fine.”

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