Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Jacob the Jeweler Sentenced to Prison



Jacob Arabov, a 43-year-old Russian immigrant widely renowned throughout the hip-hop world as “Jacob the Jeweler,” was sentenced on Tuesday to a 30 month jail sentence in federal prison as a result of lying to investigators who sought information about a multistate drug ring, according to the Associated Press.

The famous jeweler accepted a plea deal, admitting that he provided false statements to authorities and falsified records, according to the Associated Press. The original minimum sentence that was supposed to be imposed was three years and one month, but United States District Judge Avern Cohn reduced it due to Arabov’s numerous contributions to charity.

In a statement given to the media, Arabov said, “I feel ashamed that I broke the laws of this country, a country that has been so good for me. I will carry this shame for the rest of my life”

Jacob the Jeweler” has been referenced in numerous popular songs in the hip-hop and rhythm and blues genres over the past decade, including “Thoia Thoing” by R. Kelly, “Hate It or Love It” by The Game, “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” by Kanye West and “Hip-Hop Is Dead” by Nas. He also has made jewelry for Diddy, Pharell, Lil Kim, and many more.

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