The Cuban reggaeton star Yosvany Sierra Hernández, widely known as Chocolate MC, has turned down a plea deal offered by the Miami-Dade Prosecutor's Office, adding complexity to his ongoing legal battles that could result in a harsher sentence in the coming months.
According to Telemundo 51, prosecutors suggested consolidating the cases against the musician, which include a conviction for solicitation of murder, along with charges of kidnapping and grand theft, in exchange for a 12-year prison term followed by five years of probation.
This proposal was made during a court hearing attended by Chocolate and his attorney, Adolfo Gil, but it was ultimately rejected after a brief consultation with his defense team, as reported by local media.
Journalist Maylin Legañoa, who covered the hearing for a live broadcast on Telemundo 51, noted that the prosecution claimed to have "substantial evidence" to support the charges in a new trial.
Among the evidence is a video allegedly linked to the kidnapping of a fan in Opa-locka, a development that has significantly worsened the reggaeton artist's legal predicament.
During the hearing, the judge explicitly warned Chocolate that proceeding with the criminal cases without accepting the plea deal could expose him to a much harsher sentence than what was currently on the table.
Nevertheless, the artist stood firm, arguing that the proposed sentence was excessive and maintaining his innocence. His lawyer supported this decision and indicated that their strategy would involve pursuing a new trial, as explained by Legañoa.
The refusal of the deal comes just weeks after Chocolate was found guilty in the solicitation of murder case involving Damián Valdez-Galloso, identified as the main suspect in the murder of fellow reggaeton artist El Taiger.
In that case, the judge ruled that threats made on social media constituted "real threats" and were not protected under the First Amendment, a key decision that weakened the artist's defense, according to another Telemundo 51 report.
With no dates set for upcoming trials related to kidnapping and theft, Chocolate MC's legal saga continues to unfold in the courtroom.
Facing multiple charges, with no bail, and under a deportation order since 2022—which Cuba has not accepted—the singer's legal landscape is increasingly grim, moving beyond the artistic realm into full-scale judicial proceedings.
Understanding Chocolate MC's Legal Challenges
Why did Chocolate MC reject the plea deal?
Chocolate MC rejected the plea deal because he believes the proposed 12-year prison sentence is excessive and maintains his innocence.
What evidence does the prosecution have against Chocolate MC?
The prosecution claims to have substantial evidence, including a video linked to an alleged kidnapping in Opa-locka, to support their charges in a new trial.
What are the potential consequences of not accepting the plea deal?
By not accepting the plea deal, Chocolate MC risks facing a much harsher sentence if found guilty in future trials.
What is the current status of Chocolate MC's legal situation?
Chocolate MC is facing multiple legal challenges, with ongoing cases of kidnapping and theft, no bail, and a standing deportation order that has not been enforced by Cuba.