REDD FOUND GUILTY IN DRUG DEAL

Nearly Deadlocked Jury Returns Innocent Verdict On Two Counts

Starsky Redd could face 20 years behind bars after a federal jury on
Thursday found that he did participate in a scheme in which $8 million
in drugs were shipped to Jackson in November 2000.

Redd was convicted of conspiracy to possess narcotics, but found
innocent on a conspiracy to distribute narcotics charge, which carries
a maximum life sentence. He also was acquitted of using a gun in the
commission of a felony.

The verdict was announced less than two hours after jurors sent U.S.
District Judge William H. Barbour a note saying they were deadlocked.
But Barbour, citing the importance of the case and the time and
expense that had been invested in the eight-day trial, encouraged
deliberations to continue.

"The judge encouraged them (jurors) to compromise and give up their
beliefs. That is what caused the guilty verdict," said Redd's lawyer,
Chokwe Lumumba. Flanked by about 30 relatives and friends of Redd,
Lumumba said he would file motions seeking a new trial and to set
aside the guilty verdict.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Al Jernigan said the assertion that Barbour
encouraged jurors to compromise justice did not dignify a response.

"I would have liked to have gotten a guilty verdict on all three
counts but I am very satisfied that Mr. Redd will get a substantial
sentence on that count," he said.

Redd, 23, of Jackson is set for sentencing April 12.

He was charged with plotting the transport of 22 pounds of cocaine to
Jackson from Dallas. The cocaine and 757.9 pounds of marijuana arrived
in Jackson in an 18-wheeler. Prosecutors did not pursue charges
regarding the marijuana because a conviction on the cocaine charges
carries a more severe penalty.

Redd claimed he did not know the truck was loaded with drugs and was
giving a friend a ride when they met the 18-wheeler along I-220 and
led it back to Redd's rap music studio at West Northside Drive and
College Hills Road, where authorities and Redd exchanged gunfire in
the parking lot. Redd was shot in the right arm and left leg.

Cocaine charges against three co-defendants were dismissed as part of
a plea bargain.