WSTRN singer Akelle Charles and Ricardo Thomas were both sentenced to jail after being found with a loaded gun, ammunition, and a clown mask at Warwick Services. The two men were members of the R&B group WSTRN, known for their hit single “In2” released in 2015. The gun and mask were discovered in the trunk of a rental car in October 2023, leading to their arrest. The gun had been used in a prior shooting in London just a month earlier.
These arrests were part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat serious crime in the West Midlands. Both men admitted to possession of a firearm and ammunition at Birmingham Crown Court. Thomas was sentenced to eight years in jail, while Charles received a sentence of six years and nine months. The loaded pistol found in the car was linked through forensic examination to a shooting in London, although there was no direct evidence implicating Charles in that incident.
The pair had traveled from London to Wolverhampton before being intercepted at Warwick Services, where they were apprehended. Investigations revealed that Charles’ residence was near the scene of the London shooting. Data retrieved from their phones indicated a significant level of involvement and knowledge in firearms, according to West Midlands Police. Detective Inspector Amar Patel emphasized the importance of removing dangerous individuals like Charles and Thomas from the streets to prevent potential harm.
The possessions of a loaded gun, gloves, and a mask in a rental car hired under a false identity raised concerns about the duo’s intentions. The police highlighted the significance of their apprehension in averting any potential criminal act. The convictions were part of a broader strategy called Operation Target to address organized crime involving guns, drugs, money laundering, and child exploitation in the West Midlands.
The stringent sentencing of both Akelle Charles and Ricardo Thomas underscored the severity of their offenses and the potential risks they posed to public safety. The discovery of a masked loaded gun in their vehicle highlighted the dangerous nature of their activities. Their imprisonment aimed to send a strong message about the consequences of possessing firearms illegally and engaging in criminal behavior. The case served as an example of law enforcement’s commitment to combatting serious crime and safeguarding communities in the region.
The case of WSTRN singer Akelle Charles and Ricardo Thomas, the possession of a firearm, ammunition, and a clown mask, and their subsequent sentencing underscored the intricate involvement of law enforcement in addressing serious crime. The arrests represented a successful operation targeting individuals involved in illicit activities and the possession of firearms. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in carrying out investigations, making arrests, and securing convictions reflected their dedication to ensuring public safety and upholding the law. The stringent penalties imposed on the offenders served as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities, emphasizing the consequences of illegal possession of firearms and involvement in organized crime.
