Allstar JR, whose legal name is Jeremy Christopher Ford, is scheduled to face trial July 6 in the Southern District of Texas on a federal firearm charge connected to a Houston restaurant shooting earlier this year.
Court records show a Brady Order was entered during Ford’s counsel determination and arraignment hearing on May 22 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan. The order requires federal prosecutors to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense before trial.
Under the current scheduling order, all motions must be filed by June 1, with responses due June 8. A final pretrial conference is set for June 26 before U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. in Houston federal court.
The parties estimate the trial will last approximately three days. Both sides must submit proposed jury instructions, exhibit lists, witness lists, photographs and supporting materials before jury selection begins.
Allstar JR faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
Rapper Allstar JR Federal Gun Trial Begins July 6 In Houston
Dallas-based criminal defense attorney John M. Helms represents Allstar JR.
The rapper remains detained pending trial following an April 27 hearing in Detroit. In a written detention order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly G. Altman found that “no condition or combination of conditions” would reasonably assure Ford’s appearance in court or protect public safety.
According to the criminal complaint, the prosecution alleges Ford became involved in a confrontation inside a Houston restaurant after an attempted robbery. Investigators claim a firearm fell during the altercation and that Ford retrieved the weapon before firing multiple shots as individuals fled the scene.
Court filings allege one person sustained gunshot injuries and collapsed inside the restaurant. Prosecutors further contend that additional shots targeted another individual during the incident.
Federal authorities have also cited social media activity and a music video they argue may reference the shooting. Those materials could become part of the government’s evidentiary presentation at trial.
The case has drawn broader public attention following reports that NBA Ben 10 was among those injured during the alleged shooting.
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