Jamaican dancehall entertainer Chronic Law will remain in US Marshals’ custody until his trial in January after a federal judge rejected his latest bail request, ruling that the evidence continues to support his detention over an alleged firearm-possession offence. In a written judgment issued on Wednesday, 14 October, Senior Judge W. Louis Sands acknowledged that the previous judge had erred in assessing the validity of Chronic Law’s O-1B visa but maintained that the other findings supporting detention remained sound, citing concerns about the entertainer’s potential flight risk and alleged unlawful possession of firearms.
The case stems from a November 2025 traffic stop in Georgia, during which authorities allegedly recovered four firearms and nearly 100 rounds of ammunition. Chronic Law, whose given name is Ackeme Jermane Campbell, reportedly told police that the guns were used in music videos. The incident also led to the revocation of his O-1B visa, which allows eligible individuals with extraordinary ability in their field to work in the United States.
At his first federal court appearance on 9 July, Chronic Law was ordered detained pending trial after prosecutors argued that he posed a danger to the community and a flight risk. On 11 September, his new attorney, Ana Davide, sought his release, arguing that the judge who ordered his detention had misunderstood the circumstances surrounding the revocation of his visa. However, Judge Sands concluded that, despite the error concerning the visa, the remaining findings justified continued detention.
Davide also argued that the entertainer should not be punished for his creative expression as an artiste. In response, Judge Sands reasoned that music could serve as entertainment while also potentially constituting a threat. The court ultimately concluded that the record supported concerns that Campbell might flee law enforcement and unlawfully possess firearms, finding sufficient grounds to keep him in custody before trial.
Chronic Law faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. However, he has not been found guilty, and the allegations remain unproven. His trial is expected in January 2027, although the court has yet to announce an exact date. Until then, the entertainer will remain in US Marshals’ custody as the legal proceedings continue.
View this post on Instagram
