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Well-known rapper faces serious charges

Sunday, March 25, 2007

(New York - WABC, March 25, 2007) (WABC) -- A well-known rap star is facing serious charges. He is accused of assaulting a 14-year-old boy.

Police say 29-year-old rapper Tony Yayo roughed up the son of a rival music company boss.

Eyewitness News reporter Kimberly Richardson has the story.

After paying $5,000 bail, rapper Marvin Bernard, as known as Tony Yayo, walked out of criminal court surrounded by the members of the notorious G-Unit.

The 29-year-old is now charged with assault, harassment, endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly slapping a 14-year-old in the face for wearing a t-shirt showing a rival group's emblem.

"We adamantly deny the allegations set forth by the people today on behalf of Mr. Bernard," said defense attorney Scott Leemon.

Bernard is part of 50 cent's entourage, but despite the report, 50 cent's attorney tells Eyewitness News his client did not take a part in alleged attack. He says 50 cent was out of state at the time.

Officials maintain things unfolded here on 25th Street around 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Bernard and several others had just left their company offices. The victim James Rosemond, the son of the head of the rival music management companies, R Entertainment, was also walking on 25th reportedly wearing a shirt with a logo from his father's company.

According to DA, four men in a truck followed the teenager, then, approached him. Bernard said "you know who this is" then, police say, he backhanded the boy. Another member of the crew allegedly held out a gun and Bernard made sure the victim knew who he was before taking off.

But the suspect turned himself in here at the 13th Precinct Saturday.

The victim's mother, Cynthia Reed, released this statement calling it ".. a cowardly act on my son who has done nothing to warrant the verbal and physical abuse he received.."

Bernard's attorney says his client is recording an album right now and touring. But because of his record, the DA requested his passport be taken away, the judge disagreed.

The rapper is due back in court April 25th.

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