Rapper Ralo, real name terrell Davis, was in Atlanta federal court for a bond hearing on Tuesday. Prior reports that Ralo was released from jail were premature.
The 23-year-old rapper was arrested last Sunday at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, where police found large quantities of marijuana with a street value of $2 million.
A federal affidavit stated that Ralo was the leader of a gang called “Famerica” based in Atlanta. Ralo’s independent record label is also called Famerica.
The affidavit stated that gang members “sell drugs and firearms and engage in other traditional gang activities.”
Judge Allen Baverman held off on a decision to grant bond for Ralo until he hears from the Fulton County Probation Division. Paperwork shows Ralo has an active probation in Fulton County.
The state argued that he receive no bond because he has the resources to flee the country. But his lawyers stated he would not run.
Agents from the FBI, ATF and Homeland Security executed a no-knock warrant on an apartment building owned by Ralo in Southwest Atlanta last week.
Among the items listed in the warrant were drugs, weapons, and millions in cash.
But Ralo’s lawyers told the court the money Ralo displays in Instagram images are fake movie props.
The lawyers told the judge that the large amounts of cash and guns were used as “props for music videos” and that a gun found in the home was registered to his mother.
The state used several of Ralo’s Instagram photos against him in court.
Most rappers use fake money to impress Instagram followers. Rap mogul 50 Cent has admitted he uses fake movie prop cash to impress the ‘Gram.
Ralo’s supporters held a small rally outside the federal courthouse in downtown Atlanta. The rapper had asked his supporters to stay away from the courthouse on Tuesday.
11Alive News spoke to Ralo’s record label who stated the allegations of gang activity and drug possession are false and they’re hoping he gets out soon.
Ralo is signed to Gucci Mane’s independent record label.
