Rapper Lil Wayne charged with federal gun offense in Florida

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (AP) — Rapper Lil Wayne has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Documents filed Tuesday in Miami federal court say the rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., had a gun and ammunition on Dec. 23 of last year despite knowing he had the previous felony.

Authorities say Carter acknowledged owning the gold-plated handgun after his luggage was searched upon arriving in Miami on a private plane.

Carter’s attorney says he’s not a dangerous person and never used or brandished the weapon.