Busta Rhymes considers plea offer

(New York-WABC, Feb. 20, 2007) (WABC) -- Rapper Busta Rhymes is considering a plea deal offered by a Manhattan judge this morning that would keep him out of jail for two assaults.

Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, is charged with the Dec. 26 assault of former driver Edward Hatchett in his Lower Manhattan office. The 34-year-old musician is also charged with assaulting a fan who spit on his car in Gramercy Park last summer.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Tanya Kennedy offered Rhymes a plea deal this morning that would keep him out of jail, a fate being sought by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Under the deal, which would apply to both assaults, Rhymes would be sentenced to five days of community service. He would also have to spend two weeks in community service at non-profit organization, and speak to youth there about the perils of violence. Additionally, Rhymes would have to attend six months of anger management.

Judge Kennedy told the rapper he had until March 26 to accept the deal.

In addition to the assaults, the NYPD claims Rhymes continues to refuse to cooperate in their investigation of the Feb. 2006 fatal shooting of his bodyguard, Israel Ramirez, outside a Brooklyn video shoot.

While some rap stars have traded on tough images, Rhymes has been known for wild outfits and an antic performance style. His hits include "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See," "Dangerous" and "Touch It." He also has appeared in films, including "Shaft" and "Finding Forrester."

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