Ja Rule's manager Ron 'Gutta' Robinson was arrested yesterday as investigations continue into the finances of the record label formerly known as Murder Inc, to which Ja Rule is signed.
Robinson stands accused of money laundering. Officials reckon he conspired with other unidentified suspects to launder more than $1 million between 1997 and 2002. The charges also claim the music manager "knew and believed that some of the laundered funds were the proceeds of ... a controlled substance".
That refers to ongoing suspicions that Murder Inc was financed, initially at least, by drug money, in particular from renowned crack dealer Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff. While McGriff and the label's founder, Irv Gotti, consistently deny the rumours, investigations continue and last week the label's bookkeeper was indicted, also on money laundering charges.
Speaking for Robinson, defence lawyer Stacey Richman said her client did not wish to comment on his arrest except to say he will contest the charges.