A Baltimore County judge has issued bench warrant for the arrest of rapper Kevin Barnes, known as “Chopper” from MTV?s “Making the Band 2.”
The warrant alleges that Barnes, a former protégé of entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs, did not fulfill the terms of his probation stemming from a March armed robbery conviction, said Elizabeth Bartholomew, spokeswoman for Maryland?s Division of Parole and Probation.
Barnes has failed to report to his probation officer, falsified a home address and has not even attempted to complete a required 100 hours of community service, Bartholomew said.
Barnes pleaded guilty to 2001 charges that he committed a robbery with a BB gun when he was 16.
Barnes? attorney, Paul Gardner, said the incident was a teenage mistake that shouldn?t threaten the artists? pending million-dollar record deal.
Gardner said Judge Michael Finifter?s sentence of two years of probation and 100 hours of community service was a “sweet deal” compared with the 90-year prison sentence he could have imposed.
According to prosecutors, Barnes, riding a mountain bike, approached a couple walking along Eastern Boulevard on Sept. 29, 2001, brandishing what looked like a handgun. Ordering them to “kick it out,” Barnes grabbed $90 from one victim?s pocket as the other took off running. “Stop or I?ll bust your brains,” Barnes allegedly said.
Detectives found Barnes nearby on his bike with what turned out to be a pellet rifle. He was released, but failed to appear for his court date, and a judge ordered a warrant for his arrest.
Barnes was pulled over in Atlanta last July and detained on the outstanding warrant. He missed a court date in Baltimore County in August after being jailed in Georgia.
Gardner did not respond to calls regarding Barnes? latest arrest warrant.
