Atlanta Rapper Cash Out, Mother and Cousin Sentenced to Prison in High-Profile Sex Trafficking Case

Atlanta was left reeling on Monday as popular rapper Cash Out was sentenced to life plus 70 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple charges linked to a sex trafficking ring. The dramatic courtroom scenes did not end there.

Cash Out's mother, Linda Smith, also known as 'Mama Ca$h', and his cousin Tyrone Taylor received lengthy prison terms for their roles in the scheme, lifting the lid on the darker side of music fame and family ties.

Who Is Cash Out?

Born John Michael Gibson, Cash Out rose to stardom in 2011 with his chart-topping single 'Cashin' Out'. He followed up with hits like 'She Twerkin' and released his debut album, 'Let's Get It', in 2014. The rapper also appeared in the film 'Uncut Gems', building a high-profile image in the Atlanta music scene.

But according to prosecutors, Cash Out used his celebrity status for more than just music. Authorities alleged that he exploited women for profit through his label, Pyrez Music Group LLC, using social media and his industry influence to recruit women into sex work.

Cash Out Found Guilty of Rape and Sex Trafficking

Following a seven-week trial, jurors heard harrowing accounts from victims and law enforcement. Despite denying all allegations, Cash Out was convicted on charges including rape, aggravated sodomy, pimping, multiple counts of sex trafficking, aggravated assault, violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), keeping a place of prostitution, and firearms offences.

According to court records and reports from Fox 5 Atlanta and Variety, he received a life sentence for rape, plus an additional 70 years for other charges. Some of the sentences will run consecutively, effectively ensuring he will never be released.

Cash Out must also register as a sex offender, avoid contact with victims, and stay away from areas in Atlanta linked to the crimes, including Fulton Industrial Boulevard and Carroll Heights.

Victims described lasting trauma, with one survivor writing that the abuse had given her a 'life sentence' of her own. Prosecutors called it a 'seven-year reign of terror'.

Judge Melynee Leftridge condemned the crimes as 'the very worst of human behaviour'. Throughout sentencing, Cash Out maintained his innocence and drew comparisons to biblical figures.

Mother and Cousin Also Convicted

Mama Ca$h was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking. The court heard that she helped recruit women and allowed her property to be used for criminal activities. She was sentenced to between 20 and 30 years in prison and must register as a sex offender. Addressing the court, Smith expressed accountability and spoke about her faith.

Tyrone Taylor, Cash Out's cousin, was sentenced to life for rape and aggravated sodomy, with an additional 60 to 70 years for charges including sex trafficking, assault, false imprisonment, and drug offences. Taylor denied causing harm and asked a victim for forgiveness in court.

All three defendants have been barred from contacting their victims or returning to crime-linked locations. This high-profile case has become one of Georgia's most significant music-related RICO prosecutions. Fulton County authorities stressed that neither wealth nor fame offers protection from justice.