The Harlem rapper received a 75-year sentence in 2009 for helping orchestrate an armed robbery that went awry, resulting in a man’s death.
Max B, who was in another state at the time of the robbery, eventually had his sentence reduced to 20 years on account of a conflict of interest in the original case and a subsequent plea deal on an aggravated manslaughter charge. At the time, Max B was already in custody on unrelated charges but was accused of orchestrating the robbery from behind bars. Two co-defendants were also sentenced in the case. Kelvin Leerdam received life in prison plus 35 years. Gina Conway, who cooperated with prosecutors, received a lighter sentence.
Years later, Max B’s legal team successfully challenged the original verdict. In 2016, a New Jersey Superior Court judge vacated his conviction, citing a conflict of interest involving one of his former attorneys. That ruling opened the door for a plea deal. Max B pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated manslaughter and was re-sentenced to 20 years. The deal factored in the time already served, significantly shortening his remaining prison term. Legal documents and court filings also cited “ineffective assistance of counsel” as a reason for the reduced sentence. His earlier appeals had failed, but the plea agreement ultimately led to his release. His original 75-year sentence was handed down in 2009 after a jury found him guilty on most counts related to the 2006 robbery and murder.\