A jury reached a verdict, final week, within the federal trial of the Bronx rapper Kay Flock. The 21-year-old musician, born Kevin Perez, was discovered responsible of racketeering conspiracy; tried homicide and assault with a lethal weapon in assist of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in relation to tried homicide and assault. As well as, Kay Flock was discovered not responsible of homicide in assist of a racketeering enterprise.
Kay Flock was arrested in December 2021 and charged with murdering a 24-year-old man named Hwascar Hernandez. The rapper’s case was moved to federal courtroom in February 2023 as the federal government alleged that Kay Flock was a member of a gang referred to as “Sev Facet” or “DOA” (quick for “Useless on Arrival”) that was committing racketeering crimes.
In a press release launched after the federal jury reached its verdict, Matthew Podolsky, the performing U.S. legal professional for the Southern District of New York, stated, “Perez can not conceal behind his music, and as a substitute might be held to account for his violent crimes.”
In an audio message posted on Instagram, Kay Flock thanked his supporters, his attorneys, and the federal decide presiding over his case. He particularly shared his gratitude for legal professional Michael T. Ashley. In a press release shared with Pitchfork, Ashley wrote:
Immediately begins a brand new part of a protracted and difficult authorized journey for my consumer, Kevin Perez higher generally known as Kay Flock, who was lately convicted on fees of Racketeering Conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Help of Racketeering, and a Firearms Offense. We respect the decision reached by the jury, it’s nonetheless vital to notice that my Mr. Perez was acquitted of essentially the most critical cost—Homicide in Help of Racketeering—a cost that carried with it a compulsory life sentence.
All through the previous few weeks, we’ve witnessed my consumer’s energy, resilience, and willpower to struggle for justice. Whereas the result on some counts is probably not what we had hoped for, we stay targeted on his future. We are going to proceed to pursue all avenues out there, together with an enchantment, to make sure that my consumer’s rights are protected and to problem the parts of the decision we imagine are in opposition to the burden of the proof.
Within the face of his trial, Kevin Perez has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his household and group, and this conviction, whereas a setback, doesn’t outline who he’s or the potential he has shifting ahead in life and in his music profession. This case has underscored the significance of due course of and the authorized system’s skill to offer a possibility for honest analysis, and we’re optimistic about what the subsequent steps will carry.
Thanks to everybody who supported Mr. Perez by way of this tough course of. We stay hopeful that the appellate course of will lead to a fairer final result, and I’m dedicated to advocating tirelessly on behalf of my consumer.
Kay Flock is due for sentencing on Wednesday, July 16, in response to the New York Put up and XXL.
