TORONTO (Barrio) – A Puerto Rico federal judge on Tuesday sentenced Raphy Pina (Daddy Yankee and Natti Natasha‘s manager) to 41 months in prison.

The sentence for the 43-year-old veteran music executive and producer, who founded Pina Records in 1996, came five months after he was convicted by a jury of one count of possession of an automatic weapon and another count of possession of firearms by a person convicted of a felony. In his possession he had a Glock pistol, Model 19, 9mm caliber, which was was modified to automatic, one Smith & Wesson, Model SD40, .40 caliber, and 526 total rounds of live ammunition for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

Judge Besosa said during the hearing. “Mr. Pina failed to abide by the law, and his disregard for the law is not acceptable.”

Before hearing his sentence, Pina — who was accompanied by his partner Natasha, his three older children and Daddy Yankee — addressed the court, saying losing his liberty was the “most difficult” situation a human being can be in. “Today, before all of you, I ask you let me return to my family, who is waiting for me. I want to continue being a present father and guide them in every stage of their life. I want to see my [1-year-old] daughter learn to walk,” he said. “I want to thank everyone here, thanks for your support and to my kids and partner, I love you.”

Pina was indicted in August 2020, accused of possessing two handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition despite the fact that he was barred from doing so because of his 2016 conviction on federal fraud and money laundering charges. 

Though he hasn’t appealed the conviction yet, attorneys for Pina hinted in a March filing that they may seek to overturn his conviction. The appeal must be filed within 14 days.

Source: Billboard