The rape charges against rapper Mystikal have been dismissed due to lack of evidence, according to multiple reports.
On Thursday (Dec. 17), a Caddo Parish grand jury decided to drop the first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping charges against the “Here I Go” emcee, whose real name is Michael Tyler.
“However, additional evidence and information were discovered and the case was resubmitted to this second grand jury in the interest of justice,” the district attorney’s office said on Thursday. “Based on the grand jury’s decision, the Caddo Parish district attorney’s office will dismiss the charges pending against Mr. Tyler.”
Attorney Joel Peace, who represents Mystikal, told TMZ that the charges against his client were dismissed because “new scientific evidence emerged, causing the grand jury to take a second look at the rape allegations made against [him].”
Back in 2017, the Let’s Get Ready rapper turned himself in after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Louisiana casino in 2016. His DNA was reportedly found on the victim, along with that of another man.
Mystikal spent 18 months in prison before he was able to post a $3 million bond in February, after he was able to secure a new record deal. Prosecutors offered him a plea deal before the case went to trial, but he declined. His lawyers believed the alleged victim was not credible and they wanted to take their chances battling it out in court.
In 2003, the New Orleans native pleaded guilty to forcing his former hairstylist to perform sexual acts on him and his two bodyguards. All three men took a plea deal agreement and Mystikal was released from prison in 2010 after serving six years for extortion and sexual battery.
In 2012, he was arrested on a domestic abuse charge and served an additional 81 days behind bars.