Juelz Santana Sentenced To 27 Months In Federal Prison For Weapons Charge

Rapper Juelz Santana has been sentenced to 27 months in prison Wednesday for attempting to bring a loaded gun on a flight leaving Newark Airport in March.

Court records show that in August, the New Jersey resident, whose real name is LaRon James, pleaded guilty to weapon possession by a convicted felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft in a federal court in Newark. The charges could have gotten him as much as five years behind bars.

The 36-year-old Santana, who remained out on bail, has been allowed to travel but his movements were tracked by the government. He had to return home at certain times to meet a curfew, according to court documents. In addition to performing in New York City, the Harlem native has been filming the VH1 reality television show “Love and Hip Hop."

On March 9, the “There It Go” rapper arrived at Newark Airport at 6 p.m. EDT for a 6:25 p.m. flight to San Francisco, authorities said.

During an X-ray screening of his bag, "a Transportation Security Administration agent identified a suspected firearm," according to court documents. Santana then "retreated from the security checkpoint area without his belongings. He left behind a .38-caliber handgun, a New York State driver's license and two bags."

A search ensued to find Santana after he left the airport, authorities said. He turned himself into police custody about two days later.

Santana has had previous run-ins with law enforcement.

He was previously charged in 2011 with weapons possession and drug offenses. He pleaded guilty to a marijuana distribution charge, court records show. In two other incidents, he pleaded guilty to violating a restraining order.

Santana was not immediately taken to prison following his sentencing, having secured the government's permission to perform on Long Island Friday. It's not known when he will be required to turn himself in authorities.

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