UPDATED: A Timeline of Juelz Santana's Legal Trouble Since His March Arrest
As we're seeing on season nine of Love & Hip Hop New York , Juelz Santana and his fiancée Kimbella Vanderhee are currently navigating his legal problems. Back in March, Juelz was arrested for bringing a gun to an airport and then fleeing the scene before an arrest could be made.
While many only know only minor details of the case, Juelz explained on the show that his airport mishap was the result of being high on Percocet, which he got hooked on after receiving the painkillers for dental work. "I found out there was a gun in my bag on the radio like everybody else. I would never knowingly bring a gun to the airport," Juelz says. Though some good came from it all --- his jail time forced him to get clean --- and now his sentence has been determined. Here's a quick timeline to get you up to speed on what's been happening since his arrest and where things stand today.
March 9, 2018 - Juelz Santana Flees Newark Airport
On March 9th, Santana (born LaRon James) arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport for a flight to San Francisco when TSA agents claim to have found a loaded gun and prescription drugs in his luggage. Juelz says he then fled the airport and hopped in a cab before an arrest could be made, leaving all of his belongings behind. The Port Authority Police Department then conducted a search but were unable to locate him.
March 12, 2018 - Juelz Surrenders to Police
After being on the run for three days, Juelz turned himself into authorities and was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He also acquired federal charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft. His request for bail, at the time, is denied.
April 6, 2018 - Juelz is Released on Bond and Placed Under House Arrest
After spending a few weeks in jail, Santana was released on $500,000 bond secured by his mother’s New Jersey home, according to NorthJersey.com. Upon his release, the judge ordered the 36 year old to wear an ankle monitor and remain under house arrest at his mother's home. His passport was also confiscated. Through all of the tough restrictions, he was still grateful to be out of jail. "I'm just happy to be in God's graces," Juelz told The Record outside the courthouse the day of his release. "I was praying every day. He came through for me ... just gotta do the right thing, do everything I need to do so I stay home."
June 11, 2018 - Some Wiggle Room is Granted With Juelz's Touring Schedule
In a letter obtained by Bossip, Juelz asks the judge presiding over his case to allow him to move back in with Kimbella and their children, as well as lift the house arrest ban so that he can tour with Dipset. He explains that touring is his only source of income, and that he needs to travel in order to provide for his family. Thankfully, the judge granted his requests - giving him permission to hit the stage in New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina (provided he travel with his mother and not by airplane.)
August 10, 2018 - Trial Delayed
According to USA TODAY, Juelz's September trial date was pushed back to give his lawyers more time to negotiate a plea deal.
August 16, 2018 - Juelz Pleads Guilty
Juelz plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft.
September 6, 2018 - Kimbella and Juelz are Reunited Under the Same Roof
The judge in Juelz Santana's case modifies the conditions of his bail, allowing him to move back in with Kimbella and the kids. At the time, he remained on home detention which lets him leave the home for certain reasons and upon approval of the court. As part of the terms, Juelz completed anger management/domestic violence counseling, but the mandatory drug tests were stopped.
November 2018 - Awaiting Trial
Juelz is currently awaiting his December 12th trial date. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. In the meantime, Juelz is promoting the new Dipset album Diplomatic Ties and spending quality time with his children.
December 2018 - Juelz is Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison
Juelz Santana took a plea and was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and a subsequent 12 months of supervised released over his airport drug case. No date was set on when he will begin his sentence.
With his trial right around the corner, Kimbella and Juelz relationship will be tested to the limits. Watch Juelz opens up about his drug and alcohol addiction in the extended Love & Hip Hop New York sneak peek.