Legendary hip-hop musician and actor Eric Barrier — better known as Eric B. of the revered Hip Hop duo Eric B. & Rakim — was released on bail Tuesday after spending more than two weeks in a New Jersey jail after surrendering voluntarily in connection to a warrant issued 17 years ago.
In 2002, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and resisting arrest/eluding for an incident that happened in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey on September 27, 2001. But because he failed to appear in court, a judge issued a bench warrant.
Court records show that the 56-year-old has been jailed since Oct. 28 all stemming from an incident that took place September 2001.
Eric B.’s lawyer Patrick Toscano sent a letter to the court last week and explained Eric B’s former attorney, Paul Bergrin , told the tenured producer at the time “there was no need to appear on the sentencing date.” .
Despite the lengthy period of time between the warrant and his arrest Barrier hadn’t received notice from the court about missing his sentencing date, Toscano told NJ.com. Barrier first heard of the warrant when he was questioned by Vermont state police in October, Toscano said.
He’s expected back in court on November 22.
