Birdman’s Brother Released From Life Sentence After Allegedly Cooperating With Feds
Birdman has been reunited with his brother.
Terrance “Gangsta” Williams, the half-brother of Cash Money Records co-founders Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, was released from federal prison earlier this month after serving more than 20 years on a life sentence for dealing heroin and plotting murders.
According to NOLA.com, Williams helped bankroll Cash Money and belonged to a Louisiana street crew called the “Hot Boys,” which inspired the name of the label’s platinum-selling group featuring Lil Wayne, Turk, Juvenile and Christopher “B.G.” Dorsey.
A year after the Hot Boys debuted in 1997, Williams pleaded guilty to engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and solicitation for murder. He was caught plotting to kill a group of New York drug dealers in New Orleans to get paid for heroin that was mailed to his associate. The feds intercepted the package and wiretapped Williams as he hatched a murder plan. He received life plus 20 years.
Last month, a judge resentenced him to 27-and-a-half years in prison. Williams was released on Jan. 3 at age 47, however, it’s unclear why.
Williams’ attorney, Townsend Myers, confirmed the reduced sentence but did not offer a reason. A judge has ordered the records to be sealed.
His release may come as a result of his cooperation with the government following his arrest. According to court records, he gave “substantial assistance” that helped the feds secure guilty pleas from co-defendants.
“The defendant also provided information to the state authorities regarding a number of murders and urged persons who had witnessed murders to come forward as witnesses and contact the others,” prosecutors wrote.