Rapper Juelz Santana out on bail, said he's 'just gotta do the right thing'

Keldy Ortiz
NorthJersey
Rapper Juelz Santana, whose real name is LaRon James, was released from jail on April 6.

NEWARK — Rapper Juelz Santana, in custody since March 12 for allegedly fleeing and leaving a gun and drugs in his luggage at Newark Liberty International Airport, was released Friday.

LaRon James, the rapper's legal name, was ordered to be released into the custody of his mother by Judge Michael A. Hammer. A $500,000 bond was secured by his mother’s Englewood home.

"I'm just happy to be in God's graces," James told The Record outside the federal courthouse Friday. "I was praying every day. He came through for me ... just gotta do the right thing, do everything I need to do the right thing so I stay home." 

The Totowa resident declined to talk about the federal charges. 

Hammer ordered the 36-year-old to wear an ankle monitor and be under 24-hour lockdown. James must surrender his passport.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Latzer told Hammer that James was a flight risk and should remain in custody. Latzer said James' criminal history and a 2014 restraining order following a domestic abuse charge should be considered.

James has a "long history of failing to comply with court orders" considering him a flight risk, Latzer said. 

Hammer, however, concluded the conditions given to James would not put the community at risk.  

"We're pleased that he's being released and now we could concentrate on the case," said Brian Neary, James' attorney.

James was at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 9 heading to San Francisco, authorities said. A Transportation Security Administration agent found a .38-caliber handgun and drugs.

Santana then left the airport and fled in a cab, authorities said. The New York City-born rapper turned himself in to authorities on March 12.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office dismissed weapons and drug charges against the rapper, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said. The charges were referred to federal prosecutors. 

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