Rapper Spenzo Busted For Unlawful Use of Weapon: Cops

CRESTWOOD, IL -- A South Side rap artist was arrested Thursday in Crestwood after claiming ownership of a loaded gun found in a friend’s car, prosecutors said. Demauris Johnson, 22, who raps under the name Spenzo, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Crestwood police were on patrol around 11:40 a.m. May 31 when they observed the driver of a Hyundai, later identified as Johnson, allegedly driving 72 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone. Officers detected an odor of cannabis and observed pot residue in the front seat, the prosecutor said. Johnson and the front seat passenger allegedly admitted smoking a blunt.

Officers found a loaded .380 caliber Taurus TCP pistol inside the glove box, the prosecutor said. The registered owner of the Hyundai was the front seat passenger, but Johnson allegedly admitted to owning the gun for protection.

The prosecutor said Johnson had three prior misdemeanor arrests for resisting, battery and attempted resisting, for which he received supervision.

Johnson’s attorney said his client was born in Englewood and grew up in a single parent home. He was ready to go to prep school when he got signed by Atlantic Records. Johnson owns two homes and assists his community in Englewood.

“He’s very talented,” the attorney said. “He has thousands of followers.”

The attorney said it was Johnson’s first felony arrest.

“I consider anyone with an unlawful use of a weapon to be a danger to the community,” Felice said.

“This vehicle was not my client’s vehicle,” the attorney said. “He made post miranda admissions under certain conditions.”

“Who’s he need protection from? Himself?” Felice asked. “He’s been through the process.”

Bail was set at $5,000. Johnson was ordered to submit to random drug testing and weekly pre-trial reporting. He is also to surrender any and all firearms to police. Johnson is due back in court June 29 in Bridgeview.