Rapper Gucci Mane gets three years on federal gun charge

ATLANTA - Rapper Gucci Mane was sentenced Wednesday to serve three years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to a federal firearms charge several months ago.

The 34-year-old, whose real name is Radric Davis, pleaded guilty in May to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. The judge also sentenced him to serve three years of supervised release with extra limitations on his travel during that time and to pay a $5,000 fine.

A man who said he was a friend of the rapper's called police early in the morning on Sept. 14 to say Davis was walking down the street behaving violently, according to a police report. When police arrived, Davis smelled strongly of marijuana, cursed at them, called them names and threatened to shoot them, according to the report.

Police arrested him on a disorderly conduct charge and found a clear baggie with what they believe was marijuana and a loaded handgun, the report says. An ambulance was called, and Davis was sedated and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.

Federal prosecutor Kim Dammers said she believes the sentence outlined in the plea agreement is appropriate given the seriousness of the offense and Davis' lengthy and violent criminal history, which includes convictions for battery and aggravated assault.

U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones told Davis he's heard from his nieces and nephews that the rapper is a talented musician with a potentially bright future and warned him not to squander that.

"You're still a young man, and you can still do a lot if you follow and abide by the law," Jones said.

Davis' lawyers asked the judge to consider recommending that he get credit for about 11 months served in the DeKalb County jail since his arrest in September. The judge said he would consider that but that he felt it was a matter for the Bureau of Prisons.

The lawyers said Davis has struggled with addiction to a mixture of cough syrup and soda known as lean and asked that the judge recommend that he be sent to a facility with a recovery program. Lawyer Drew Findling said Davis would prefer to serve his time on the West Coast to be away from distractions closer to home.

"He understands he has some work ahead of him, and his goal is to bring a resolution to this case through this sentence and to get back to something that is very important to him and his fans and that is to perform," Findling said after the hearing.