Rapper, ex-MTV star accused of using large social media following to recruit ‘sex workers’

Kevin “Chopper” Barnes, who was part of an MTV reality show called “Making the Band” in the early 2000s, is facing serious charges after allegedly using his social media followings to recruit women into becoming “sex workers,” according to TMZ.

Barnes was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of an adult after an undercover detective pretending to be a sex worker came in contact with the rapper. He reportedly messaged the detective about becoming a prostitute in exchange for money, and frequently bragged about his wealth and material possessions. Barnes allegedly promised to make the detective part of his “team” and later on in the communication, became aggressive and started barking orders at her.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department claims that Barnes made use of his “large social media following which detectives believe he used to recruit women to be sex workers,” and as the officers scoured his social media, found several references to being a “pimp” as well as showing off his money.

According to TMZ, the police were tipped off after “seeing social media evidence of a potential sex trafficking operation.”

Barnes gained fame as part of an MTV reality show hosted by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, and he was signed to Combs’ “Bad Boy” label.

For a peek into the show’s culture and how the rapper “Chopper” came into prominence, here is an episode of the show. In it, Barnes gets into an altercation with another rapper over leadership, cleaning, and “corny” insults:

Barnes was released on Tuesday, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on May 10.

Sierra Marlee

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