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Rapper Coolio Charged With Possessing Firearm After LAX Arrest

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Rapper Coolio was charged with a felony count of possessing a firearm as a felon with two priors Thursday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The rapper, whose name is Artis Leon Ivey, was arrested on Sept. 17 after a TSA screening found a handgun in a carry-on bag. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for arraignment.

He was previously convicted in 2001 for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and in 2009 for possession of cocaine base.

In a video thanking his fans for their support, Coolio called the arrest "a little misunderstanding at the airport".

If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of three years in state prison.

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