Rapper Admits Trying To Bring Loaded Gun Onto Newark Flight

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A rapper and Totowa resident admitted Thursday to trying to bring a loaded gun onto a plane at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this year, authorities announced.

Laron L. James, a.k.a. "Julez Santana," 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to carrying a weapon on an aircraft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. (See related: Rapper Arrested, Tried To Bring Gun On Plane In Newark: Officials)

James admitted that on March 9, he had a loaded Derringer .38-caliber handgun despite the fact that he was prohibited from possession a firearm, Carpentio said. He also admitted trying to bring the loaded gun onto a flight from Newark to San Francisco.

Authorities discovered the gun during an x-ray screening of James' luggage before he boarded the flight. James left Newark Airport in a taxi after the gun was discovered. He later surrendered himself to law enforcement authorities, the Port Authority of NY/NJ previously said.

James is prohibited from having a firearm due to a 2012 convicted in Bergen County for manufacturing and distributing a controlled dangerous substance.

James faces a maximum potential 20-prison sentence, 10 years for both charges. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Staff writer Eric Kiefer contributed to this article.

Photo: Laron L. James, a.k.a. "Julez Santana," 36 (Fernando Leon/GettyImages)