Boosie Badazz isn’t free from federal prosecution just yet. Real name Torrence Hatch Jr., the rap star faces new charges following his arrest in San Diego in 2023.
Less than two weeks after a federal judge dismissed the previous case against him, U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath’s office filed a new indictment on Friday. Hatch is charged with two counts of firearm possession: one for interstate commerce as a convicted felon and another for knowingly possessing a firearm while using controlled substances.
Previously, Boosie was charged with possession of a firearm as a felon in interstate commerce, but the case was dismissed due to a recent federal court precedent that deemed the law unconstitutional for non-violent offenders. The new indictment reasserts these allegations, seeking court-mandated forfeiture of all firearms and ammunition involved. If convicted on the second charge, Hatch could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
In a social media post on X, Boosie Badazz expressed frustration over the new charges, stating, “I’m on vacation with my family. My lawyer calls and says this federal prosecutor has indicted me again on the same charge. This is a circus.” The post included the hashtag “#justiceforboosie.”
Lil Boosie, based in Louisiana, has been entangled in legal issues in San Diego since his arrest in May 2023 in the Chollas View neighborhood. He was in town to film a music video and perform at a local club when San Diego police became involved.
Officers, watching an Instagram livestream, saw a man with a black handgun tucked into his waistband in the backyard of a residence. The man, later identified as Hatch, left the scene before officers arrived.
Using a helicopter, police tracked him down and conducted a traffic stop, finding two loaded handguns in the vehicle. Hatch’s bodyguard, who was driving, was also taken into custody but not charged.
Local prosecutors initially attempted to charge Hatch with firearm possession. When those charges were dropped, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took over, arresting Boosie Badazz on June 14 on a federal charge.
Boosie pleaded not guilty and was released on a $100,000 bond. After the case was dismissed, Hatch posted a celebratory Instagram video from the lazy river at San Diego’s Sycuan Casino Resort.
Boosie is scheduled for another arraignment on August 2 in San Diego County federal court. Known for songs like “Wipe Me Down” and “Set It Off,” Boosie has had multiple encounters with law enforcement. Despite past accusations of violent crimes, he has only been convicted of non-violent felony drug charges.