Cash Out has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 70 years after being convicted of rape, aggravated sodomy, sex trafficking, racketeering, and a series of other serious charges.
The rapper, whose real name is John Michael Hakeem Gibson, received the sentence on Monday (July 21) following a month-long trial. Prosecutors presented damning evidence showing that he ran a prostitution and trafficking operation under the banner of his music brand, Pyrex Music Group, and his “Ca$h Out” persona, according to NBC affiliate 11 Alive. The jury reached its verdict on Friday (July 19).
Before handing down the sentence, the judge stated the trial had revealed “the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings,” calling the actions of the defendants “diabolical.”
Gibson’s life sentence also includes an extra 70 years, along with several concurrent prison terms for additional charges that won’t tack on more time.
Court documents revealed that Gibson and his team used social media to lure women through lies and coercion, forcing them into commercial sex work.
His long list of convictions includes charges for violating the RICO Act, rape, sex trafficking, pimping, pandering, battery, possession of a firearm during a felony, and possession of contraband as an inmate.
In emotional courtroom testimonies, several victims and their families shared the devastating impact Gibson had on their lives. “For the rest of my life, I will fear that he will kill me, all because I wouldn’t do what he wanted me to do,” one survivor stated. Others spoke of living with PTSD, depression, and a deep sense of worthlessness.
One victim’s parents said Gibson exploited his fame and fortune to “steal their person” and “literally stole the souls of all the women they victimized.”
Despite the conviction, Cash Out maintained his innocence, claiming the jury got it wrong and suggesting the victims were pressured into testifying. His attorney, Careton Matthews, argued that the state overcharged the case and pointed to contradictions in witness statements and unreliable co-defendant testimonies.
But the prosecution backed their case with phone records, financial documents, and extensive witness accounts. Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Earnelle Winfrey described it as a “reign of terror” that lasted at least seven years.
Prosecutors outlined how Gibson recruited and isolated women, restricted their finances and contact with family, and forced them into sex work to fund his lifestyle.
Gibson’s mother, Linda Smith—also known as “Morenika Vinnie” or “Mama Ca$h Out”—and co-defendant Tyrone Taylor were also convicted. Smith received a 30-year sentence, while Taylor was hit with life plus 70 years.
As part of his sentence, Gibson is prohibited from contacting his victims or their families, must register as a sex offender, and is banned from several locations in the Atlanta area, including the Fulton Industrial Blvd. corridor.
