No Charges for Rapper “The Game” After Twitter Prank

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it will not pursue charges against rapper The Game a week after a message from his Twitter account jammed calls at a Compton Sheriff's
Station.

The Game apologized on CNN for the incident Wednesday and Sheriff's officials decided to let the matter go.

"His willingness to help share with the media and the community that the safety of the public is what is most important, is a great message," Capt. Mike Parker said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the department said it had compiled enough evidence to recommend that the District Attorney charge the rapper with causing annoying or harassing phone calls to be made, and for delaying or obstructing police officers in doing their duty.

"Based upon our investigation, as well as consultation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the LASD considers the criminal investigation into this matter closed," Parker said.

While various laws could be applicable in the case, Parker said there were "certain aspects that have not quite caught up with the rapid pace of new media."

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Parker also cited a lack of evidence for dropping the case but said "if new facts were to come to light, it could change our stance."

"Freedom of speech is part of what has made this country great. Peace officers are sworn to uphold and protect that right, and we welcome that responsibility," he said. "The challenge is that law enforcement, the news media, and celebrities are also facing the challenge of how to address each new social media issue that arises."

Last month, celebrities worked with the LAPD to get the word out about carmageddon, but we also saw the rough edge when popular DJ Kascade tweeted to his tens of thousands of followers to join him for a free concert on Hollywood Boulevard, causing a mob scene.

Last week, a message sent to The Game's 580,000 followers falsely told them to call a phone number if they wanted an internship with the rapper.

That number was actually the public help line of the Compton Sheriff's Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, denied responsibility for the phone calls and suggested his account had been hacked.

Taylor, who grew up in the area but now lives in Glendale, also tweeted:"Yall can track down a tweet but can't solve murders! Dat was an accident but maybe now yall can do yall job!"

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