Atlanta rapper Cash Out has been ordered to pay $40 million in damages to a woman who accused him of trafficking her for sex, marking a major civil judgment that follows his recent criminal conviction.
According to court documents reviewed by Complex, a federal court in Georgia awarded the victim—identified as J.M.—$10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $30 million in punitive damages. The ruling was entered on January 7.
J.M. filed the civil lawsuit in 2022, accusing Cash Out of violating the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. In her filing, she alleged that she met the rapper in 2013 and was later forced into prostitution through threats, violence, and coercion. She also claimed she was compelled to use drugs. Cash Out did not successfully contest the civil case, leading the court to issue a default judgment late last year.
ALSO READ: Former Disney Actor Matt Prokop Arrested in Texas, Held Without Bail ‘on child pornography charges
The civil ruling comes months after Cash Out, whose real name is John-Michael Hakim Gibson, was convicted in July for leading a sex trafficking enterprise. The high-profile criminal case also resulted in convictions for his mother, Linda Smith, and his cousin, Tyrone Taylor.
After seven weeks of testimony tied to a 46-count Georgia RICO indictment, prosecutors presented evidence including recorded jail calls, phone records, and surveillance footage. Jurors found Gibson guilty of rape and forcing women into prostitution. Taylor was convicted of similar crimes, while Smith was found guilty of allowing property in her name to be used for prostitution.
Gibson and Taylor were each sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 70 years. Smith received a 30-year prison sentence. Gibson maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
In a statement shared with Complex, J.M.’s attorney, Matthew Stoddard, said the judgment sends a clear message about accountability.
“The court’s ruling underscores that sex trafficking carries serious legal consequences,” Stoddard said. “It sends an important signal that exploiting vulnerable individuals is not only morally reprehensible but will be met with substantial accountability under the law.”
He added that the ruling reflects the court’s recognition of the long-term harm caused by trafficking and shows that strong evidence can lead to significant financial penalties, regardless of whether a case is decided by a judge or jury.
Stoddard also said efforts are now underway to collect the judgment, including pursuing funds linked to criminal forfeiture proceedings and potentially targeting future income from Cash Out’s music catalog.
“Our firm’s fight will continue,” he said. “We are exploring all legal avenues to ensure this judgment is enforced.”
About The Author
