Rapper Cash Out’s Sex Trafficking Trial Reveals Graphic Abuse, Coercion, and His Mother’s Alleged Role

The legal case against Atlanta rapper Cash Out is taking a dark turn as witnesses continue to reveal chilling details of what prosecutors allege was a trafficking ring disguised as a music business.

On Tuesday, June 17, in a Fulton County courtroom, a forensic expert specializing in sex trafficking victims testified about how age and fear influence how victims are perceived. She explained that when minors are involved, their age alone classifies them as victims. However, for adults, fear often complicates how they’re treated, sometimes casting them as criminals instead of survivors.

Cash Out, whose real name is John Michael Gibson, is facing a long list of charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. Prosecutors allege he used his music label as a front to recruit and exploit women, with his own mother allegedly playing a role.

One woman, named in the indictment as both a co-defendant and a victim, told authorities that Gibson forced her into prostitution. He allegedly controlled everything: setting prices, managing online ads, and keeping all the money.

In one disturbing incident, an investigator testified, “A John wanted to pay $500 to have sex with her twice. Ultimately, she didn’t want to do it, and Mr. Gibson ran her over with a car.” Another investigator added that she “didn’t get any of the money that was made during her prostitution acts. Mr. Gibson took everything from her.”

To protect those involved, the court is withholding the identities of the victims and investigators.

The case also implicates Gibson’s mother, Lisa Smith, known as “Mama Cash,” who has been charged with pandering and prostitution. She allegedly helped manage the finances and operations behind the scenes.

Earlier in the week, another woman took the stand to share her experience with Gibson. She said they met during a time when she was financially vulnerable. While she admitted to engaging in sex work before their relationship began, she claimed things escalated once she became involved with him both romantically and professionally.

“He said he was a manager,” she told the court. According to her, they lived together at multiple locations around Atlanta, including a luxury apartment in Buckhead. She said Gibson arranged her encounters, either by posting online ads or sending her to solicit clients on the street.

She also claimed he physically assaulted her over a four-year period, from 2014 to 2018, but explained why she never had proof: “It’s really hard to record when you’re getting beat up.”

During cross-examination, she acknowledged posting explicit content willingly and said Gibson didn’t initially force her into prostitution. Still, prosecutors argue that he used control tactics, like fear, manipulation, and promises of rewards, to maintain dominance over the women.

Text messages shown in court, allegedly from Gibson, included lines like “Need you talking like a white girl” and “When you come back up, put them heels on.” One woman testified that cash was stashed in kitchen drawers and sent to Gibson’s mother through payment apps.

The original RICO indictment, filed in 2022, outlines 41 counts against Gibson and five co-defendants. It includes charges of rape, aggravated sodomy, trafficking, and operating a criminal enterprise under the guise of a music label.

If convicted on all counts, Cash Out could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life. The trial is still ongoing.