The rapper, Joseph Cartagena, known by his stage name 'Fat Joe,' pled guilty to tax evasion charges in a New Jersey Federal court on Thursday.
The 42-year-old rapper could face up to two years in prison for failing to pay over $3 million in taxes over a course of two years between 2007 and 2008.
Cartagena's attorney, Jefferey Lichtman, told E Online, that his client has been "working to resolve his issues."
"We have been trying to correct this for almost a year now...We got his tax returns in order and they have been accepted by the government," Lichtman said.
Cartagena is due back in court on April 3, of 2013. When asked of his client's decision to plead guilty, Lichtman told E Online, "It's not a happy day," Litchman adds. "I think he is relieved to get the ball rolling and put it behind him. It is not a proud day, but I think he is proud that he has his house in order and is getting it done. He is obviously very stressed about what the future brings, but he is handling it well," as reported by E Online.
New Jersey Federal Court judge, Cathy Waldor, asked the hip-hop artists if he understood the charges he pled guilty to and the consequences of his plea, the singer replies " I super understand," as reported by Today Entertainment.
Cartagena or 'Fat Joe' is noted for hit 2004 hit "lean back" with Terror Squad. His other albums include, "Represent," "Jealous Ones Envy" and "All or Nothing." In 2010, he released another album called "The Dark Side Vol. 1."
