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Michael "Mystikal" Tyler was sentenced to six years in prison yesterday after being convicted of sexual battery.
The rapper, 33, was charged in July 2002 with forcing his former hair stylist to perform oral sex on him and two bodyguards at his Baton Rouge apartment after he accused her of stealing money from him, a charge she denied.
After a videotape of the incident surfaced, Tyler and his two bodyguards -- Leland "Pokie" Ellis and Vercy "V" Carter -- pleaded guilty to sexual battery as part of a deal that would throw out charges of aggravated rape, which with a conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. Ellis received a three-year prison sentence, Carter drew four years.
Mystikal had also been charged with extortion. He entered a best interest plea last year and was sentenced to five years probation. Extortion charges against Ellis and Carter were dropped.
A civil suit had also been filed and settled out of court; according to reports, Tyler has paid the woman $350,000.
Mystikal is best known for his 2000 hit "Shake Ya Ass," which helped usher his fifth album, Let's Get Ready to the top of the charts.
ANDREW DANSBY
(January 16, 2004)