By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond was placed under arrest last year, around this time, after being accused of heading up a nationwide cocaine ring. As more information was revealed, many came forward, making statements against the music mogul. Jimmy Henchman, who’s company, Czar, managed many of hip hop’s most-popular stars, was revealed to be nothing more than a front for his real operation.
After evading law enforcement for three months, Rosemond was placed into federal custody, where he remained until his trial began. Thus far, Jimmy Henchman’s trial has been the biggest topic of discussion in hip hop, as far as legal matters go. Journalist Chuck Phillips was banned from the courtroom following the second day and Jimmy Henchman’s ex-girlfriend testified. During her testimony, she denied Rosemond doing anything wrong.
On the fifth day of the trial, California Highway Patrol officer, Scott W. Smith, testified and admitted to assisting in pulling over Mario Rosemond, Jimmy Henchman’s brother, for reckless driving. What began as a traffic violation turned into a search, which led to a bag of money being found in the trunk of the car, along with a hidden department. However, Gerald Shargel was able to get Smith to confess to wrongly identifying Mario Rosemond, while he was on the stand. Jimmy Henchman was said to have a strong operation in the Los Angeles area, reportedly operating the drug ring from the offices of Interscope Records.
John P. Dash, the business manager for Czar Entertainment also testified, stating he ran the company for Jimmy Henchman, handling affairs for Game and other artists. During his testimony, he revealed he was paid in checks and money orders for his work for the company. But, after 2007 Jimmy Henchman’s income began to decrease, yet he was still able to fund the artists. After his testimony, Gerald Shargel mentioned how Dash falsified mortgage and loan applications for many Czar clients. When asked if he did so under guidance from Henchman, Dash was forced to reveal his “structuring” was all on his own.
