Kodak Black was released from a federal prison in Illinois after being pardoned by former President Donald Trump on his last day in office.
Black tweeted his thanks to Trump on Wednesday: “I Want To Thank The President @RealDonaldTrump For His Commitment To Justice Reform And Shortening My Sentence. I Also Want To Thank Everyone For Their Support And Love. It Means More Than You Will Ever Know. I Want To Continue Giving Back, Learning And Growing. @DanScavino.”
But according to reports, prosecutors in South Carolina are preparing to pursue the rapper on a felony charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Ed Clements, the 12th Circuit Solicitor in Florence County, tells TMZ that he filed a retainer against the rapper and plans to “aggressively” pursue Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri.
Trump commuted Black’s 46-month sentence for making a false statement on a federal document to purchase a gun in Florida. Convicted felons can’t purchase firearms, and pardons for a federal crime have no impact on state cases.
Prosecutors in S.C. claim Black forced himself on an 18-year-old girl in a hotel room after a Feb. 2016 concert, allegedly raping her and biting her neck and right breast, according to legal docs obtained by TMZ.
Black’s attorney in S.C., Beattie Ashmore, tells TMZ, “Aggressively prosecute? It’s been four years. That speaks volumes. Kodak was on bond and on tour for two years before his federal case even began. Ed’s a very fine and experienced prosecutor and I look forward to once again speaking with him about this case. It’s been awhile.”
Black faces up to 30 years in state prison, if convicted.
