Flippa Mafia Says He Earned Bachelor’s Degree Behind Bars
Incarcerated Jamaican Dancehall artist Flippa Mafia says he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree behind bars.
The 40-year-old Dancehall entertainer, Flippa Mafia, whose given name is Andrew Davis was sentenced to 25 years in prison for first-degree distribution of Cocaine, second-degree money laundering, and second-degree conspiracy. Now he has copped a new degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Education, after earning his high school diploma presented by the State of New Jersey
In a recent video, Mafia, content with his achievements, showcased his books and sang of his attempts to try and earn his way to freedom through education.
“Thinking for a change focus on the victim / I’m rehabilitating / I’m tryna earn my way out / earn my way out”
“I’m tryna cage my rage / I gotta earn my way out”
Mafia has since received commendations by a number of social media users for the move.
“This is really the right step to go education is the key young man,” said one social media user.
“There is always hope and this move right here is a move in the right direction,” said another.
American law-enforcement authorities claim Davis was the mastermind behind an international drug trafficking ring that they believed was operated from various locations in Jamaica, New Jersey, and California.
Alongside Flippa in the trio were, his girlfriend, Marsha Bernard, who was sentenced to 21 years in prison for her role in the drug ring, and his brother, Roger Davis, was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Roger Davis was among the 46 Jamaicans deported to the island in April of last year.
According to reports the trio once led a syndicate that used the US Postal Service as well as private courier services to ship large quantities of cocaine from California for bulk distribution in New Jersey. This is according to official documents submitted by prosecutors in the US.
Prosecutors further stated that Roger Davis and one of his co-convicts, Marsha Bernard, were responsible for handling money from the drugs and would send the money to Flippa in Jamaica and Kemar in California.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the group was arrested after a large and coordinated multi-agency investigation, which was called Operation Next Day Air, which was led by the New Jersey State Police, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Division of Criminal Justice.
It was also revealed during the trial that detectives recovered more than 26 kilograms of cocaine worth more than US$960,000, two handguns, and more than US$500,000 in cash. Upon conviction, he was also ordered to pay a US$250,000 anti-money laundering profiteering penalty.
Flippa Mafia was known for his raucous and flashy shows where he would often give away cash to his fans.
Mafia will be eligible for parole in 12 years.