4th man sentenced to prison after music videos lead to drug trafficking bust
Four men associated with Bag Tawk Entertainment (BTE) have been sentenced to significant prison terms for their roles in a drug trafficking operation in Pinellas County, Florida. The U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida highlighted that the investigation utilized evidence from the group's own music videos, where they openly discussed their drug lifestyle. Cortez Haugabook, the fourth member to be sentenced, received a prison term of 25 years and 10 months, joining Torri McLaurin, Kristian Brown, and Javontah Harris, who were previously sentenced.
The videos not only featured lyrics about making and selling drugs but also showcased locations and paraphernalia linked to their operations. Legal analyst Anthony Rickman stated that the evidence was compelling enough that none of the men went to trial. The investigation led to the discovery of large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, and meth distributed from multiple homes in St. Petersburg. This case illustrates how social media can inadvertently provide law enforcement with critical evidence in criminal cases.
The significant sentences reflect the serious nature of drug trafficking and its impact on the community.