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John Forte Released From Prison

Posted Dec 23rd 2008 4:30PM by Latifah Muhammad
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Grammy winning rapper/producer and former Wyclef Jean protege John Forte was released from a federal prison in New Jersey yesterday. Forte was originally being held on federal drug charges and served seven years behind bars. In 2001, he was caught with two briefcases containing $1.4 million dollars worth of cocaine at Newark International Airport.

Last month Forte's 14-year conviction was cut short after receiving a pardon from President George W. Bush. He reportedly learned of his impending release from a prison inmate who saw it on the news. Forte was one of 16 prisoners who were pardoned by the president before the end of his term. His freedom is due largely in part to the work of folk singer and friend Carly Simon who lobbied to have his conviction overturned.

The musician has plans of turning his experience into a positive lesson for the youth. "He wants to help young kids understand they have options and help deter them from making some of the mistakes he made," said his lawyer Aarti Tandon. Under the conditions of his freedom Forte must pay a $5,000 fine and will remain under 5-year supervised release.

Filed under: Hip-Hop News
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4 Comments

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dallascowboys28

How the hell can he get pardoned after being caught with 1.4 million worth of cocaine at an airport. I have a cousin that was caught with 10 grams of cocaine and is spending 3 to 5 years in prison. How is this person so special? Because he knows a white woman with fame (Carly Simon). He gets out and all he has is $5,000 in fines and 5 years probation. This goes to show you that having money and knowing the correct white people means the law aint shit and I could do what the hell I want to do.
Bush should have just pardoned all the drug dealers in jail. Oh my bad, they don't know a successful white person who has their back.

December 27 2008 at 1:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to dallascowboys28's comment

idcmasta

Well Carly Simon is an quarter black so,you might want to modify your statement "Because he knows an [mostly] white woman with fame". Either way, you're right, it is BS that if you have connections with the rich & powerful, you can circumvent the law. A lot of people more deserving for a pardon are going to be rotting in jail for years instead of this guy.

December 27 2008 at 6:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

reddmon1p

The brother deserves a second chance. Hopefully he focuses on his music.

December 24 2008 at 7:27 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Cornelius McGee

Yea. They should've played "We Stayin Alive" as he walked out

December 23 2008 at 5:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

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