Big Freedia has had one shocking rollercoaster ride of a year, thanks mostly to the news that she had been charged for lying in order to get Section 8 vouchers. Since then, Big Freedia has been able to avoid jail time, but reports have revealed that part of the reason she’s been able to stay out of the slammer is because she’s agreed to go to rehab.
As previously reported, the drama all began back in March when Freedia was charged with stealing more than $34K worth of Section 8 vouchers by the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2010 to 2014, when her income exceeded the federal subsidized housing limit thanks to her growing success.
Freedia pleaded guilty to the charges and made a deal with the judge, which included her making restitution for the vouchers she stole from the government. Freedia was released on a $25K bond and explained at the time that she had made a terrible mistake with managing her finances and that she hoped that other people would learn from her mistake.
“This is an incredibly unfortunate situation,” Freedia said in an emailed statement. “I was on subsidized housing for many years before my financial situation changed. I quickly found myself in a new economic structure and, frankly, knew little about how to handle my money. It wasn’t until recently (after I had stopped receiving housing vouchers) that it became very clear I had received assistance to which I wasn’t entitled. It was an oversight — but one that I take full responsibility for.”
Well, according to Bossip, part of taking responsibility for her “oversight” was modifying her bail terms and agreeing to attend substance abuse treatment. Freedia will also reportedly have to submit to drug tests at her probation office.
It’s not clear exactly what all the drugs are that Freedia will receive treatment for, but fans of her reality show “Queen of Bounce,” know that the rapper is a fan of marijuana and visited a weed dispensary on the show.
Although Freedia is avoiding jail time for now, she’s still facing up to 10 years in prison and a $250K fine when she appears in court for sentencing on June 16. Se also faces forfeiture of property equivalent to the amount of the vouchers received.
