Rio Da Yung OG is a rising star in the rap scene, known for his gritty and witty lyrics about life in Flint, Michigan. He has released several acclaimed projects, such as City on My Back, Testers, and Movie, and collaborated with artists like Teejayx6, Sada Baby, and Icewear Vezzo. However, his music career has been overshadowed by his legal troubles, which have landed him in jail for five years.

The Arrest and Indictment

According to Pitchfork, Rio was arrested in January 2019 for possession of a gun with “intent to distribute controlled substances”. He was named in a February 2019 grand jury indictment that charged him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base and heroin. He was one of six people involved in the alleged drug trafficking ring.

The Plea Deal and Sentencing

In February 2020, Rio reached a plea deal that waived the indictment in favor of a guilty plea. He pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and agreed to a 60-month sentence. The formal sentencing took place in January 2021. A sentencing memorandum, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, noted Rio’s minimal criminal history, his strong employment record, and his “lucrative” music career. However, it also stated that his participation in the offense had a negative effect on his community and himself.