The rapper, who has started his prison term on March 8, is not in protective custody as Correction Department spokesman states that Weezy never requests for such treatment.
- March 10, 2010
AceShowbiz - Rapper Lil Wayne will serve his year-long sentence with the general population of New York's Riker's Island Prison, contrary to reports he would be forced into protective custody. The "Lollipop" hitmaker, real name Dwayne Carter, pleaded guilty in 2009 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, after a loaded semiautomatic gun was found on his tour bus in 2007.
His sentencing was delayed three times, once to undergo dental surgery and twice due to a court fire. On Monday, March 8, he was taken away in handcuffs after a Manhattan Criminal Court hearing to begin his prison term immediately.
Initial reports suggested city officials would force Lil Wayne into protective custody out of concern for the rapper's safety and health following his dental surgery. However, Correction Department's spokesman Stephen Morello tells the New York Daily News the Grammy winner will have "general population escort" status at Rikers Island.
Morello also claims the agency never received a request from Lil Wayne to be treated differently from other inmates, adding, "It's his choice." The rapper could be out in eight months pending good behavior.
