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Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
Rapper Mystikal Pleads Guilty to 2022 Rape, Assault, and CashApp Extortion
Could Face 20 Years in Prison After Accepting Plea Deal
Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:05am
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Louisiana rapper Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler, has pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in an Ascension Parish courtroom. The plea deal reduces his original first-degree rape charge, which carried a mandatory life sentence, down to a maximum of 20 years in prison. The charges stem from a 2022 assault where Tyler allegedly beat, choked, and forced the victim to send him money through CashApp.
Why it matters
This case highlights Mystikal's history of sexual assault charges, as this is the third time in less than 20 years that he has faced such allegations. His previous convictions and the public support he has received from his former label boss, Master P, despite his registered sex offender status, raise questions about accountability and the music industry's response to artists accused of violent crimes.
The details
On March 17, 2026, Mystikal pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in an Ascension Parish, Louisiana courtroom. He had originally been indicted on charges of first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and simple criminal damage to property. Under the plea deal, the first-degree rape charge, which carries a mandatory life sentence, was reduced to third-degree rape with a maximum sentence of 20 years. Mystikal's sentencing is scheduled for June 2026, and a pre-sentence investigation has been ordered.
- On July 30, 2022, Ascension Parish deputies responded to a local hospital after a woman reported a sexual assault by Mystikal.
- Mystikal pleaded guilty to the charges on March 17, 2026.
- Mystikal's sentencing is scheduled for June 2026.
The players
Michael Tyler
Also known professionally as Mystikal, the 55-year-old Louisiana rapper has a history of sexual assault charges, including a 2003 conviction for sexual battery and extortion.
Master P
Mystikal's former label boss, who publicly backed the rapper at a 2023 music festival despite his registered sex offender status and the pending charges.
What they’re saying
“Get your hands up for my dawg”
— Master P
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Mystikal's sentence in June 2026.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of holding high-profile artists accountable for violent crimes, especially when they have the public support of influential figures in the music industry despite their history of sexual assault charges.
