Pretty Ricky's Baby Blue Claims He Faces Life In Prison Over Federal Charges

BY Erika Marie 16.5K Views
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Pretty Ricky, Diamond Blue Smith, Baby Blue, PPP Loan, Arrested
The singer gave an update after his first day in court after being named in an alleged PPP Loan scam worth $24 million.

The case stacked against Diamond Blue Smith, also known as Baby Blue, is serious. The Pretty Ricky artist stands accused is misappropriating funds from loans he received from the federal government, and while it's unclear how Blue and his legal team intend on defending the singer against the allegations, Blue is offering up a bit of information about his recent day in court. We previously reported that Baby Blue, along with a dozen of his alleged associates, has been charged with bank and wire fraud for reportedly using $24 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans for personal items. Blue is accused of purchasing a Ferrari and falsifying documents to acquire a COVID-19 relief loan.

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Baby Blue recently posted a photo of himself to social media where he asked fans to send luck his way as he was scheduled to stand before a judge. The Shade Room reposted the picture and Blue gave an update to the outlet once his meeting was over. "Had a good 1st day in court," he commented. "Facing Life in prison but #ImInnocent - Everything ain't always what it seems."

The singer isn't the only person to be charged with fraud in connection with PPP Loans. Former NFL star Josh Bellamy is also accused of mishandling finances and reportedly faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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