Attorney: Witness To Come Forward, Take Blame In Case Of Drug Charges Against Rapper

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A local rapper, who just signed a big record deal, appeared before a judge Thursday on drug charges, but his attorney says another man is ready to step forward to take the blame.

Joseph Barnett smiled and laughed as he was brought by police to court today.

But the hearing was postponed like Barnett's last hearing in August for the same reasons. Prosecutors told the judge crime lab evidence, including DNA, is not ready.

"I didn't consent to the postponement, it's unfortunate," said Casey White, Barnett's defense attorney. "My client's career is on hold and it's going to be on hold for at least another month or so until the lab results come back."

Barnett, a rapper known as Hardo, recently signed a multi-million dollar record deal.

He was pulled over by Wilkinsburg Police Aug. 30. Officers say he ran a stop sign and they found more than 200 stamp bags of heroin on the floor of the car he was driving.

"Mr. Barnett has maintained his innocence all along," said White. "It was not his vehicle; he was not responsible for the items in the vehicle. He was borrowing a person's car. He was pulled over due to a stop sign violation."

In fact, Barnett says he has another may ready to take the blame.

"It's my understanding there is a witness that is willing to come forward to take responsibility for what was found in the vehicle," said White.

Barnett is charged with felony possession and resisting arrest. He's expected in court again in December.

RELATED LINKS:
Wilkinsburg Rap Artist Who Signed $3 Million Contract Jailed, Faces Drug Charges (9/10/13)
Hearing Postponed For Local Rapper Facing Drug Charges (9/26/13)
More Reports by Marty Griffin