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The Cuban reggaeton artist Yosvany Sierra Hernández, known as Chocolate MC, was sentenced this Monday to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of probation, after pleading guilty in an agreement that resolved three criminal cases against him in Miami-Dade.
During the hearing, the so-called "King of Reparto" appeared calm and composed.
With a beard and glasses, he listened to the verdict calmly, at various moments looking downcast but without crying or reacting visibly to the ruling, as shown in images released by the attending press.
In prison, the artist claimed to have converted to Christianity, a personal change that, according to his circle, is part of the transformation he has undergone behind bars.
A close associate of the artist confirmed in statements to Telemundo 51 that he accepted the decision with resignation: “I think he is not happy, but he is resigned to the situation.”
Her sister, Isis Sierra, acknowledged that the family was not satisfied with the sentence, although she believed it could have been worse.
“We are not very happy about that, but well, it was more time; I think we are better off with this,” he stated.
Isis Sierra also stated that she has noticed changes in him since he has been incarcerated: “Every time I speak with my brother, I notice he is different; he is no longer the same person he used to be.”
Furthermore, he sent an optimistic message to the fans of the reggaeton artist: “Even though he is inside, he will continue working. He has his team working for him, and we will keep going. He is here; he hasn’t left. He remains present.”
The singer's girlfriend also reacted following the court appearance.
"I wish it had been different, but they found him guilty", he lamented.
The charges included in the court agreement
The sentence was issued alongside the verdict of a jury that found him guilty of soliciting the murder of Damian Valdez Galloso, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the death of the singer "El Taiger."
The agreement with the prosecutor's office also allowed for the resolution of two other pending cases: one involving the kidnapping of a fan and another related to a theft in a hotel room.
According to reports, "the guilty plea includes sentencing for all three cases," meaning that the 10-year sentence encompasses the entirety of the offenses.
After serving his sentence, Sierra Hernández will be required to remain on probation for five years, subject to judicial supervision and specific conditions, including undergoing a mental health and substance abuse evaluation, as well as complying with a restraining order concerning the victims.
With this decision, the authorities are concluding the three cases that kept the artist under investigation and trial in Florida courts.
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