Rapper Lil Wayne has admitted possessing a weapon despite being a felon after a gold-plated handgun was found in his luggage at an airport.
The rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, admitted possessing the .45 calibre gun and six rounds of ammunition after his private plane was searched on arriving in Miami from California on December 23, 2019.
A search warrant said the father-of-four told investigators the gun was a Father's Day gift.
The 38-year-old entered the plea during a hearing held remotely before US District Judge Kathleen Williams.
"Your honour, I plead guilty to the charge," Carter told the judge. He will be sentenced on 28 January.
The federal charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years but it is likely Carter will get far less time than that. He is free on $250,000 bail but had to surrender his passport.
The charge stems from a weapons conviction for Carter in New York more than a decade ago, for which he was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Convicted felons are barred under federal law from possessing firearms.
Carter's lawyer Howard Srebnick said he considered a motion to suppress the search of the plane as a violation of the rapper's constitutional rights.
However, he said Carter wanted to accept responsibility.
"I must say I thought it was a very viable motion. He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress," Mr Srebnick said.
The Miami US attorney's office also said in a news release that investigators found small amounts of cocaine, ecstasy and oxycodone in a bag belonging to Carter, but he was not charged with any drug crime.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
31 mins -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
4 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
4 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
5 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
5 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
6 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
7 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
7 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
7 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
7 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
7 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
7 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
8 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
9 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
9 hours