Rapper Jeezy cleared of weapons charge

A felony weapons charge against hit-making rapper Jeezy has been dropped.

The rapper, who used to go by Young Jeezy, and five members of his entourage were arrested and charged with possession of an AK-47 during a tour stop at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine in late August.

Authorities found the weapon while investigating the death of a man who was shot backstage at a show days prior at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. Both shows were part of Jeezy’s co-headlining tour with Wiz Khalifia.

Jeezy, born Jay Wayne Jenkins, and the five others arrested were never identified as suspects and each of them pleaded not guilty to possession of an assault weapon.

The dismissal of charges came during a hearing Thursday morning in an Orange County court.

“Mr. Jenkins should not have been arrested and this case should not have been prosecuted,� Jenkins’ attorney Blair Berk said in a statement. “We are pleased it has been dismissed, although frustrated that it took the police and prosecutors months to do the right thing.�

Jeezy was not present at Thursday’s hearing but in a statement criticized the way authorities handled the case and how the media reported it.

“I pray this had nothing to do with race but it definitely had nothing to do with evidence. Words cannot express how vindicated I feel with these charges being dismissed today,� Jenkins said.

“While my team and I always knew that the allegations and charges were based on zero facts, the rush to judgment by both the media and the police has been extremely disappointing,� his statement continued. “I’m relieved that the truth has ultimately prevailed and I would like to thank those who have always stood by me including my family and fans.�

Twitter: @GerrickKennedy