(AllHipHop News) Jurors began deliberating the fate of James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond today (June 4), as the music industry mogul’s federal cocaine distribution trial comes to a close.
Judge John Gleeson, who tried legendary gangster John Gotti, gave instructions to the jury, who listened intently after 12 days of controversial, blockbuster testimony.
Family and friends packed the court room as Rosemond sat calmly in a black pinstriped suit and listened to the instructions, with his hands clasped and folded.
Actor Michael K. Williams of “The Wire” and “Boardwalk Empire,” came to court today to support Rosemond, with whom he grew up with in Brooklyn.
“I’ve known Jimmy since we were kids, growing up in Flatbush, so we are talking about a good 30 some odd years,” Michael Williams told AllHipHop.com.
Michael Williams said that Czar Entertainment managed his career between 2005-2008, and that Rosemond was instrumental in helping him land acting jobs and live appearances, in addition to placing him in videos.
“Even though the charges against him are horrific, I feel hopeful that he’s going to beat them,” Williams told AllHipHop.com.
Williams, who played a drug king named “Omar Little” on “The Wire” and “Chalky White” on “Boardwalk Empire,” noted the similarity between his characters and the real-life accusations against his former manager.
“It’s ironic, but I really have no thoughts on that,” he said.
In addition to Williams, family members and close associates of Rosemond gathered outside of the court as the jurors deliberated.
“The government doesn’t play fair, and everyone gotta keep an open mind,” said longtime friend Black Primo of Black Primo Entertainment. “The government’s not going to treat a Black man fair.”
Rosemond’s publicist Sabrina Stowe de Fernandez said that she was hopeful that the jury would return a verdict favorable to her client:
“I have faith that the jurors will come back with a favorable verdict. Our prayers are with Jimmy and his family and we are praying for an acquittal.”
James Rosemond is facing a life
sentence if jurors find him guilty of the charges levied against him.