21 Savage was recently released on bond after being detained for over a week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and now he’s facing a felony warrant which could derail his stay in the United States.
According to TMZ, the 26-year-old U.K. native was booked to perform at a club in Georgia in 2016 but neglected to hold up his end of the bargain. Savage reportedly received $9,500 in advance and $7,500 upon arrival, however, he left the premises without ever touching the stage.
The promoter reported the incident to police in October 2016. Paperwork was filed to get a felony warrant against Savage for “theft by deception” alleging he got away with $17,000 as a no-show for the gig.
Although the warrant was issued, no arrest was made in the last two years for reasons unexplained. The club owner decided to pursue a criminal case against Savage following his recent arrest on Feb. 3, TMZ reports.
Savage’s lawyer, Abby Taylor, told TMZ their client “committed no criminal offense” in his 2016 club appearance. “We look forward to an amicable resolution between the parties in the near future with no criminal implications whatsoever,” Taylor said.
Savage attempted to clear his name on Friday (Feb. 15) when he showed up at the Sheriff’s Department in Georgia. No word yet on if the previously issued warrant will have an effect on his deportation status. Savage has yet to be convicted of any crime stemming from the incident.
The current U.S. immigration policy allows immigration officials to deport immigrants or downgrade their status “on the basis of a felony or even a non-felony conviction.”
Fortunately for Savage, his legal counsel believe he has a good chance of being approved to stay in the country. His lawyers argue that since he has lived in the United States for over 10 years, and his drug conviction from 2014 was vacated and sealed last fall, it should be enough to seal the deal.