Judge Denies JT’s Motion For Early Release, Bureau of Prisons To Make Final Decision

Back in June, JT, one half of the Miami rap duo City Girls, turned herself in to complete her two-year prison sentence on fraud charges. Despite her initial March 2020 release date, JT, born Jatavia Johnson, went in under the pretense that she could be released within six months on good behavior.

“I was just explaining to Yung Miami, If she go in there and she end up doing two years instead of six months because she can’t control her anger, that’s gonna affect you,” Quality Control CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas said ahead of surrender date. 

Although the reason for the initial delay remains unclear, after almost 11 months in prison, JT is still fighting for early release. 

JT’s legal team says she’s earned 108 days of good conduct time credit, which is almost four months. However, in addition to her good time credit, JT’s team also highlights her newfound fame as the main reason for JT’s early release to a halfway house.

JT “is one of two girls that make up the rap duo City Girls,” JT’s attorney said according to The Blast, adding that as of July 12, 2019, the rapper would have completed “15.6 months (12 months plus 3.6 months earned good time credit), thereby leaving 8.4 months of her sentence to be served.” 

“Beginning around her change of plea City Girls became a force in the music industry,” the lawyer continued. “They have grown an intense fan base and have developed relationships with the elite of the elite. It is without hesitation that I can proffer that you will never hear from this Defendant regarding any type of crime much less an economic one. Granting this recommendation will allow the Defendant to get back to the studio where she belongs.” 

Although the judge denied the motion, he moved for the Bureau of Prisons to make the decision, which still offers the opportunity for JT to be released early based on the Bureau’s discretion. So, until then, it’s #FreeJT, til they Free JT.