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 support 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 support 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 court docket in February 2023 as the federal government alleged that Kay Flock was a member of a gang known as “Sev Aspect” or “DOA” (brief for “Useless on Arrival”) that was committing racketeering crimes.
In a press release launched after the federal jury reached its verdict, Matthew Podolsky, the appearing U.S. legal professional for the Southern District of New York, mentioned, “Perez can not conceal behind his music, and as an alternative can 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:
At present begins a brand new part of an extended and difficult authorized journey for my consumer, Kevin Perez higher often called Kay Flock, who was not too long ago convicted on prices of Racketeering Conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Help of Racketeering, and a Firearms Offense. We respect the decision reached by the jury, it’s nevertheless necessary 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 now have witnessed my consumer’s energy, resilience, and dedication to battle for justice. Whereas the end result on some counts will not be what we had hoped for, we stay targeted on his future. We’ll proceed to pursue all avenues accessible, together with an enchantment, to make sure that my consumer’s rights are protected and to problem the parts of the decision we consider are towards 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 transferring ahead in life and in his music profession. This case has underscored the significance of due course of and the authorized system’s capability to offer a possibility for truthful analysis, and we’re optimistic about what the following steps will carry.
Thanks to everybody who supported Mr. Perez by this tough course of. We stay hopeful that the appellate course of will end in a fairer end result, and I’m dedicated to advocating tirelessly on behalf of my consumer.
Kay Flock is due for sentencing on Wednesday, July 16, in line with the New York Submit and XXL.
