Corey Graves, the man convicted of murdering Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke in a Los Angeles home invasion nearly three years ago, has learned his sentence for drug trafficking charges filed while he was incarcerated awaiting trial on the murder case.
Graves, also known as Woo, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Los Angeles to an additional 12 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, according to court records obtained by CrimeBytes. The new sentence will run consecutively with his existing life term.
Background
Pop Smoke, born Bashar Jackson, was killed on February 19, 2020, during a home invasion at a rental property in the Hollywood Hills. The then-20-year-old rapper had just released his debut studio album 'Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon' weeks before his death and was rapidly rising in the music industry.
Graves was one of five men charged in connection with Pop Smoke's killing. Prosecutors alleged Graves orchestrated the robbery after learning through social media that the rapper was staying at the Hollywood Hills property. The home invasion resulted in Pop Smoke being shot and killed during a struggle with intruders.
In December 2022, Graves was convicted of first-degree murder along with two counts of attempted murder and various robbery-related charges stemming from the home invasion. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The Charges
Federal prosecutors separately charged Graves while he awaited trial on the state murder case. According to court documents, authorities alleged Graves used contraband cell phones while incarcerated at a Los Angeles County jail facility to coordinate drug shipments and communicate with associates outside the jail.
The drug trafficking charges were filed in federal court because the investigation crossed state lines, according to prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California prosecuted the case separately from the state murder prosecution.
Graves pleaded guilty to the federal drug charges earlier this year, avoiding a second trial. Under the plea agreement, he admitted to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine while incarcerated.
Key Takeaways
- Graves was sentenced Friday to 12 additional months in federal prison for drug trafficking charges filed while he awaited his murder trial
- The new sentence will run consecutively with his existing life term without parole for Pop Smoke's murder
- Graves pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges rather than proceeding to a second trial
- Prosecutors alleged Graves used contraband cell phones while incarcerated at LA County jail to coordinate drug shipments
- Five men total were charged in connection with Pop Smoke's 2020 killing; Graves was the first convicted
What's Next
Graves will serve his additional sentence at a federal correctional facility to be determined. His co-defendants in the original murder case still face pending charges or have separate cases still working through the court system.
The rapper's family has indicated they may pursue civil litigation against those involved in Pop Smoke's death, though no formal lawsuit has been filed as of publication.