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antiTainment NEWS: Lil' Kim Charged Over Gunfight


04-14-04 Keavin
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Rapper Lil' Kim was charged with perjury on Wednesday for lying to a grand jury about a 2001 shootout that involved members of her entourage. Lil' Kim, real name Kimberly Jones, turned herself into a federal court for arraignment. Her manager Damion Butler, bodyguard Suif Jackson and friend Monique Dopwell were also charged.

The charges stem from testimony given to the grand jury about a February 2001 shootout outside of Manhattan radio station �Hot 97�. The shootout happened as Lil' Kim's entourage, which included members of the rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A., were leaving the station following an on-air interview. The rapper�s entourage reportedly encountered rival rapper Foxy Brown and members of Capone-N-Noreaga�s inner circle and shooting ensued and on individual, Efrain Ocasio, a reported friend of Capone, was hit in the back.

Before the incident Lil� Kim and Foxy Brown had been taking lyrical shots at each other in their raps. 

Lil' Kim's manager Damion Butler and her bodyguard Suif Jackson were accused of firing guns in the shootout. Lil' Kim is charged with lying to the grand jury, stating several times under oath that Butler was not at the scene and that she did not know Jackson. 

The rapper reportedly refused to initially tell authorities the identities of anyone involved with the shootout. There is reportedly security video that shows Lil' Kim and the some of the shooters involved jumping into a limo following the shootout and driving off. 

Lil� Kim and her friend Monique Dopwell were charged with conspiracy to commit perjury, making false statements and obstructing justice. If they are convicted on all counts they could face up to 30 years in prison. 
 


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