Jamaican dancehall artiste Squash, whose actual identify is Andrae Maurice Whittaker, is dealing with severe authorized bother in the USA, the place federal authorities reportedly determine him because the chief of a transnational felony group.
The 32-year-old entertainer faces two counts, together with forfeiture allegations, stemming from his February 24 arrest throughout a site visitors cease in Miami, the place legislation enforcement reportedly found a modified Glock pistol within the glove compartment of the car he was touring in. He has pleaded not responsible to expenses of unlawful possession of a modified firearm and carrying a hid weapon with no allow.
The case took a pointy flip in Might, when federal prosecutors reportedly sealed a felony criticism towards him. By Might 27, after his authorized staff filed over two dozen motions, a trial date was set—prompting federal officers to step in, asserting their intent to take over the case.
Federal authorities declare Squash is a recognized determine to legislation enforcement and accuse him of main the G-Metropolis Gang, which they are saying has been concerned in violent felony exercise that originated in St. James, Jamaica, and later prolonged to Florida.
Court docket filings point out Squash first entered the U.S. legally in Might 2019 however later re-entered illegally in January 2021, allegedly crossing the border with out inspection. In 2023, he reportedly had his first documented encounter with legislation enforcement within the U.S. throughout a site visitors cease involving officers from the Broward Sheriff’s Workplace.
An informant is claimed to have informed authorities that Squash fled Jamaica to flee a lethal gang feud and entered the U.S. unlawfully. Immigration authorities later detained him, however he was launched on bond after marrying an American citizen whereas in custody.
Notably, the identical lady is claimed to have bought one of many weapons linked to Squash in his present expenses.
Federal investigators imagine they’ve possible trigger to cost Squash with being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a machine gun. If convicted, he faces as much as 10 years in jail per cost, with the potential for a compulsory 15-year minimal if prior convictions are discovered. Deportation can be a probable consequence.
Squash stays in federal custody on the Miami Detention Middle, with trial set to start on September 2 within the Southern District of Florida. He has till August 26 to just accept a plea deal and keep away from trial.
