He may be true to the West Coast and have love for the East Coast, but a subpoena could force rap star Snoop Dogg to keep it real in a Utah federal courtroom.
Salt Lake defense attorney Jerry Mooney confirmed late Monday that Snoop Dogg and other rap artists are on the witness list for the weapons and drug trafficking trial of Utahn Weldon H. Angelos.
The government has served Snoop's attorney with a subpoena, "and everyone's in discussion with his lawyers," Mooney said.
Angelos — who created Utah-based Extravagant Records label in 2001 — is accused of distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of stolen firearms and money laundering, according to a 20-count indictment obtained by KSL Radio.
Angelos' trial began Monday and is expected to last six days, Mooney said.
Melodie Rydalch, spokeswoman for the U.S. District Court in Utah, said she could not comment on the trial.
The indictment claims he rented a house for $1,200 per month and an apartment for $980 per month and used them to store marijuana, cash and other items for illegal activity.
The government's claim that Angelos was dealing pot is incorrect, Mooney said. All the firearms Angelos has, he legally owns, according to Mooney.
If convicted, Angelos faces at least one year in prison, the indictment states. The government also hopes to seize Angelos' property, including a BMW, a Lexus, six firearms and about $40,000 in cash.
Angelos had been involved in the rap and hip-hop scene for years before he started his label. Extravagant Records recently released a CD that features a compilation of artists, including Snoop Dogg. Dogg and Angelos have worked together on other projects, Mooney said.
In addition to Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, other names on the witness list include Mutah Beale, known as "Napoleon," James Sanders, known as "Benjalino," and Jamarr Stamps.
E-MAIL: lhancock@desnews.com