Wounded NY rapper charged over illegal guns

NEW YORK - The 28-year-old rapper known as Fabolous was arraigned today in Manhattan Criminal Court on two counts of illegally possessing guns that police found after he was shot.

Fabolous, whose real name is John Jackson, was shot in the leg in a New York city parking lot yesterday after he and three of his friends left a restaurant owned by hip hop mogul Sean Combs.

The Brooklyn-born rapper was taken by his friends to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for his wounds. He was later arrested after two unlicensed and loaded guns were found by police in his car.

The rapper's lawyer, Alberto Ebanks, said his client "is a victim of a crime and not guilty or involved in any crime."

The complaint also says one of the serial numbers on one of the guns had been filed off.

Judge Abraham Clott ordered that the rapper return for a hearing on October 20 after paying US$15,000 ($23,000) in bail.

- REUTERS