Crip Mac’s Legal Twist: From Dropped Charges to Federal Custody on Gun Offenses

YouTuber and rapper Trevor Hurd, known as Crip Mac, found himself in federal custody on Tuesday (Dec. 5) following his arrest on gun-related charges in Los Angeles County. This development transpired shortly after an LA County judge dismissed gun charges against the 30-year-old artist and soon-to-be father stemming from a September 3 arrest for felon in possession of a firearm.

The arrest by U.S. Marshals occurred mere moments after the state charges were dropped, as they promptly informed Hurd that his case had been transferred to the U.S. Attorney’s office for federal prosecution on gun charges.

Revealed just prior to his arrest, an unsealed two-month-old indictment outlined charges against Hurd for being a felon in possession of an unregistered weapon and ten rounds of ammunition. The indictment noted Hurd’s awareness of his felon status based on multiple prior convictions dating back to 2014. Notably, he faced previous charges related to firearm possession in LA County on July 27, 2022, and Oct. 12, 2021. Additional charges included attempted second-degree armed robbery on Nov. 8, 2017, grand theft on Aug. 12, 2015, and transportation of a controlled substance on Oct. 20, 2014.

Curtis Briggs, a California defense attorney unrelated to the Crip Mac case, explained that federal authorities often take over state criminal cases in collaboration with local authorities, especially when dissatisfaction arises from lenient sentencing for repeat offenders. Briggs suggested that federal involvement might indicate the pursuit of a larger case, potentially under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), involving multiple defendants and a superseding indictment.

Briggs cautioned about the possibility of Hurd being implicated in a more extensive gang conspiracy, which could result in a life sentence. However, if he faces solely the gun charges, a potential 10-year sentence might hinge on the specific details of his case.

Currently held in pretrial custody, Hurd’s last hearing is scheduled for Monday (Dec. 11).