Rapper Kodak Black could face sexual assault charges after Trump presidential commutation

Pardoned rapper Kodak Black’s freedom may not last long because prosecutors in South Carolina want him transferred there to face ongoing sexual assault charges, according to reports.

The Roll in Peace rapper had his 46-month prison sentence for firearms offences commuted by former president Donald Trump during his last-minute pardoning spree before leaving the White House.

But at the same time as Black was tweeting thanks to Mr Trump, prosecutors in Florence County were moving to make sure the performer faces trial for allegedly forcing himself on a woman in a hotel in 2016, according to Courthouse News.

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Ed Clements, the 12th Circuit solicitor in Florence County, said he already has a detainer on file against the 23-year-old rapper – and plans to “aggressively” go after him, he told TMZ.

Courthouse News said it was unclear if it would stop the rapper from being freed.

Mr Trump’s clemency does not influence the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, which is state, not federal, and carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Black – who recently changed his legal name from Dieuson Octave to Bill Kapri – is accused of forcing himself on a woman in a hotel room in February 2016, at one point biting her neck and breast, Courthouse News said.

The woman “repeatedly told (him) to stop” during the sexual encounter, according to a police affidavit.

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Mr Clements told Courthouse News his office will “move forward as fast as we can” in the case, which he said was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the rapper’s lawyer for the South Carolina case, Beattie Ashmore, was dismissive of the threat.

“Aggressively prosecute? It’s been four years. That speaks volumes,” the lawyer told TMZ.

“Kodak was on bond and on tour for two years before his federal case even began.”

He called Mr Clements a “very fine and experienced prosecutor” and said he looked forward to “once again speaking with him about this case”, adding sarcastically: “It’s been a while.”

This article originally appeared on Page Six and was reproduced with permission