Dancehall entertainer Andrae ‘Squash’ Whittaker‘s legal troubles have gotten more severe, igniting great concern among his fans. On Friday, news broke that federal prosecutors took over his case, closing the chapter on earlier state-level charges in Miami.
The deejay was originally charged with possession of a modified firearm, along with a charge of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. During Squash’s arraignment on Wednesday, Judge Ariel Rodriguez granted a motion to dismiss those local gun-related charges. Midway through the hearing, federal authorities intervened, declaring their intention to prosecute the case at the federal level.
The shift in jurisdiction brings new and weightier charges. Squash has now been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition, and another charge for unlawful possession of a machine gun. Each charge carries up to 10 years behind bars, and if previous convictions apply, the minimum sentence could stretch to 15 years. A conviction could also pave the way for deportation.
According to Nationwide News, a source from the Miami State Attorney’s Office explained that it’s not unusual for federal prosecutors to assume control of cases like these, especially when the offences fall under broader federal laws.
Squash, who had pleaded not guilty in March and requested a jury trial, was arrested in February after an FBI agent allegedly saw him receive what appeared to be a gun. Later that day, he and co-accused Zidanne George Prescott were stopped by police. A modified Glock pistol was reportedly discovered in the glove compartment on the passenger side, where Squash had been seated.
So far, his legal team has not responded to requests for comment. There is no confirmed date yet for his next court appearance. For now, Squash remains in federal custody at the Miami detention centre, awaiting the next phase of a legal case that has clearly taken a more serious turn.