1. Harvey Weinstein
Image Source: APNews.com
Harvey Weinstein is a convicted sex offender and the #metoo movement took off after up to 87 women bravely came forward. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison for his offenses to only two of the women, Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley. But more recently, the disgraced ex-movie producer was also given an additional 16 years in prison for further charges of rape and sexual assault.
2. R. Kelly
Image Source: LATimes.com
R. Kelly is an inmate of the Metropolitan Correction Center in Chicago and was sentenced to 31 years altogether in prison for his crimes. And despite being convicted of using his fame to sexually abuse young fans, over the years he has continued to attempt to appeal his two convictions.
3. Joe Exotic
Image Source: TMZ.com
The Tiger King, Joe Exotic, is currently incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, where he is serving a 21-year sentence. After his long-standing feud with Carole Baskin, he was charged with two counts of a murder-for-hire scheme and also for the buying and killing of tigers.
4. Shannon Richardson
Image Source: NYpost.com
Shannon Richardson is currently incarcerated in a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas, and is not expected to be released until 2028. She was sentenced to 18 years in prison after she was found to mail ricin-laced letters to influential figures such as then-President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
5. Ryan Grantham
Image Source: LATimes.com
The Riverdale actor admitted to killing his mother and then packing his car with guns, ammunition, and Molotov cocktails with the intention of visiting the Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau’s home. Grantham received a life sentence and is not eligible for parole for at least 14 years. Sources have also stated that he is currently in a mental health program.
6. Amy Locane
Image Source: USAToday.com
The Cry Baby star, Amy Locane, was arrested after a drink-driving incident resulted in the death of a 60-year-old mother. Locane was said to be 3 times over the drink-drive limit when she sped at 54 mph and crashed into another car. She was finally sentenced to 8 years in prison after a judge ruled that her initial sentence was too lenient.
7. Suge Knight
Image Source: People.com
Suge Knight was the CEO of Death Row Records and was involved in an altercation with Cle Sloane, who worked on the film Straight Outta Compton. But as a result of this serious fight, Knight ran over and killed another man called Terry Carter with his car. And he will serve 28 years in prison without any chance of parole until 2037.
8. Austin Jones
Image Source: SeattleTimes.com
You may or may not recognize Austin Jones’s’ name, but he is actually a famous and rather influential YouTube star, made popular by his acapella covers of popular songs. But he is also a controversial star who is currently serving ten years in prison for faking his age to get underage girls to send twerking videos to him.
9. Michael Jace
Image Source: CNN.com
The Shield actor, Michael Jace, is currently serving 40 years in prison for the murder of his wife. Sources state that Jace shot and killed his wife, April Jace, in a horrific scene in front of his children. She allegedly wanted a divorce but he thought she was seeing another man.
10. Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver
Image Source: nbcnews.com
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver, also known as War Machine, was sentenced to life in prison after he kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and beat his ex-girlfriend, Chrissy Mack. The now 41-year-old will not be eligible for parole until he is 71 years of age.
11. C-Murder
Image Source: nme.com
Rapper, C-Murder was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to a life sentence for the nightclub killing of a teenager, Steve Thomas. But, interestingly, two of the key witnesses in the case came forward to revoke their testimonies and even Kim Kardashian has spoken out in his defense.
12. Jared Fogle
Image Source: People.com
The disgraced ex-face of the Subway sandwich commercials, Jared Fogle, was made famous when he lost 400 pounds by just eating two Subway sandwiches each day. But he was convicted of receiving child pornography and engaging in sex with a minor and sentenced to 15 years behind bars.
13. Josh Duggar
Image Source: People.com
Josh Duggar’s claim to fame is being one of 19 siblings and one of the stars of the reality show 19 Kids and Counting. But Josh Duggar was found and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography and sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison for his crimes.
14. Todd & Julie Chrisley
Image Source: YouTube
Todd and Julie Chrisley shot to fame on their reality show Chrisley Knows Best. But their lives took a dark turn when they both received multiple charges of tax evasion, conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud. Todd is currently serving his 12-year sentence whilst Julie is serving her 7-year sentence.
15. Allison Mack
Image Source: RollingStone
Smallville star, Allison Mack’s career came to an end in 2018 when she was convicted of sex trafficking offenses. As part of her role in the self-help sex cult, NXIVM, led by Keith Raniere, she was found to be recruiting young girls as sex slaves. She was given two three-year sentences in prison, as well as having to serve a further three years on parole and she was ordered to pay $20,000
16. Kidd Creole
Image Source: NYTimes.com
The founding member of Grandmaster Flash, Kidd Creole, was convicted of stabbing and killing a man called John Jolly in the chest. The 61-year-old maintains that he acted only in self-defense but when he stood trial, he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
17. Andrew Tate
Image Source: MARCA.com
The toxic and misogynistic influencer is currently incarcerated in prison in Romania alongside his brother for human trafficking, organized crime, and rape charges. Tate and his brother, along with two other women were initially held for 30 days but remain in custody after having their appeals rejected.
18. Pat O’Brien
Image Source: Loudersound.com
In a bizarre chain of events, Cannibal Corpse guitarist, Pat O’Brien, was arrested for burglary and assault, and all the while, his own rented house was burning to the ground. Later on, police found more than 80 firearms at his home. He was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to pay over $23k, and will be subjected to random drug and alcohol evaluations.
19. Tory Lanez
Image Source: TMZ
Hip hop and R&B artist, Tory Lanez had his promising career cut short when he was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, leaving her with minor injuries. He currently remains in custody awaiting sentencing and could face a maximum sentence of 22 years and 8 months.
20. Jen Shah
Image Source: lawandcrime.com
Real Housewife, Jen Shah was found to be a complete fraudster when she was found guilty of a bogus telemarketing scheme that was set up with the sole purpose of defrauding the elderly of their life savings. She was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison and ordered to pay her victims $6 million.
21. Sam Hurd
Image Source: usatoday.com
Former American footballer, Sam Hurd, played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears. But at just 28 years old, and having just signed a $5 million contract with the Chicago Bears, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for leading a drug ring that trafficked four kilos of cocaine, worth $100k, a week into Chicago.
22. Joe Son
Image Source: cbsnews.com
Actor Joseph Son was convicted in 2008 of the 1990 gang rape and torture of a woman. DNA linked him to the horrific crime and he was sentenced to life in prison. And whilst he was there, the beat his cellmate to death and received a further 27 years on top of his sentence.
23. William Hayden
Image Source: People.com
Willian Hayden starred in the reality show Sons of Guns. Several women came forward about Hayden sexually assaulting them when they were minors, including his daughter. He was found guilty of aggravated rape and rape and will spend the rest of his life in jail, serving two life sentences plus 40 years.
24. Ricardo Medina Jr.
Image Source: Narratively.com
The actor, Ricardo Medina Jr. was well-known for his role in Power Rangers. But the former actor, and former red Power Ranger, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter when he allegedly killed his roommate with a sword. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison for his crime.
25. Mark Wahlberg
Image Source: BostonHerald
Mark Wahlberg has faced some legal issues in the past, including a number of racially motivated attacks. He attacked a Vietnamese-American man, called Johnny Trinh, by punching him in the eye and was charged with attempted murder, later being found guilty of felony assault. He was sentenced to two years in prison but only served 45 days.
26. A$AP Rocky
Image Source: BostonHerald
A$AP Rocky was arrested at the airport in 2022 on his way home from his vacation to Barbados over an alleged shooting that happened in 2021. He was with pregnant Rihanna when he was escorted from the airport in handcuffs but he wasn’t held for long as he quickly paid his $550k bail and was released the same day.
27. Ally Lotti
Image Source: Twitter
Instagram star, Ally Lotti and her boyfriend, Carter Jamison, were recently arrested for shoplifting from Walmart. They were clocked on CCTV for failing to scan through some larger items in their shop. They were booked for theft and released on the same day but cops said that they found them in possession of drugs.
28. Phil Spector
Image Source: APnews.com
Music producer, Phil Spector, was found guilty of the 2003 murder of the actress, Lana Clarkson. He was sentenced to 19 years to life behind bars. And, despite his daughter thinking he was innocent and believing that Lana took her own life, he actually died in prison in 2021.
29. Bill Cosby
Image Source: VanityFair
Bill Cosby was at the center of multiple sexual assault accusations and in 2015, the actor and comedian were charged with indecent assault. Then in 2018, he was found guilty of drugging and assaulting the same woman. He was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison but had his conviction overturned and he was released from jail in 2021.
30. Farrah Abraham
Image Source: PageSix
The former Teen Mom star, Farrah Abraham, was arrested at the start of 2023 for allegedly slapping a security guard at a nightclub. A citizen’s arrest was made and she was later taken into police custody. When she was released, she took to social media, calling the incident a complete setup.
Now For Celebrities You Never Knew Served Time… Robert Downey Jr.
Image Source: Ranker
Robert Downey Jr. had a long history of drug addiction, which led to multiple run-ins with the law. He was arrested several times on drug-related charges, and in 1999, he was sentenced to three years in prison for violating probation, and he served a year in a California prison.
Lindsay Lohan
Image Source: CBS News
Lindsay Lohan has had several legal issues over the years, including multiple DUI arrests, substance possession charges, and probation violations. In 2007, she was arrested for DUI and cocaine possession, and in 2010, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail for violating probation. She has also been in and out of court for various other legal issues, including theft, assault, and reckless driving.
Martha Stewart
Image Source: CNBC
In 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted of insider trading after she sold off stock in a biotech company just before its stock price dropped. She was sentenced to five months in prison, five months of home confinement, and two years of probation. This came as a surprise to many as Stewart was a well-known TV personality, known for her homemaking and cooking skills.
Wesley Snipes
Image Source: WTXL
Wesley Snipes is a well known actor and martial artist who was convicted of tax evasion in 2008 after failing to file his tax returns for several years. He was sentenced to three years in prison and served time at the Federal Correctional Institution in McKean, Pennsylvania.
Mike Tyson
Image Source: The Mirror
In 1992, Mike Tyson is arguably the most famous boxer of all time; but did you know he was convicted of r*pe after a 1991 incident with a beauty pageant contestant? He was sentenced to six years in prison, but he was released after serving three years. It just goes to show how money and have can play to your advantage…
Paris Hilton
Image Source: The Mirror
In 2007, as well as inventing the ‘selfie’, Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for driving with a suspended license. She violated her probation by driving again, and she was sentenced to 23 days in jail. She served a total of 22 days in jail, it makes you wonder why some people never learn!
O.J. Simpson
Image Source: NPR
In 2008, O.J. Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping after he and several accomplices robbed two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison and served nine years before being released on parole.
Tupac Shakur
Image Source: SoundCloud
In 1995, Tupac Shakur was convicted of sexual abuse after he and his entourage were accused of assaulting a woman in a New York hotel room. He was sentenced to one and a half to four and a half years in prison, but he was released after serving nine months.
Chris Brown
Image Source: TIME
Chris Brown is very well known musician, but in 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault for attacking his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community service. Not so much of a heart-throb now, is he ladies?
Justin Bieber
Image Source: USA Today
In 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach for DUI and resisting arrest without violence. He was also charged with driving with an expired license. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanour charges and was sentenced to two years of probation, community service, and a fine.
Mark Wahlberg
Image Source: The Guardian
In 1988, Mark Wahlberg was involved in two separate incidents in which he assaulted two Vietnamese men, leaving one partially blind. He was initially charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to assault and served 45 days in prison. I didn’t think he had it in him… did you?
Tim Allen
Image Source: Crime Museum
We all love Toy Story… but did you know what Woody was really capable of? In 1978, Tim Allen who voiced our favourite toy cowboy, was arrested for drug trafficking after he was caught with over a pound of cocaine at a Michigan airport. He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and served two years and four months in prison.
50 Cent
Image Source: The Source Magazine
‘Go shawty, its prison day” 50 Cent sang on a sunny 2002 day as he was arrested for possession of drugs and guns after police found a loaded handgun and marijuana in his home. He was caught red-handed, and I bet this one wasn’t an easy one to get out of.
Flavor Flav
Image Source: XXL Mag
Flavor Flav has had numerous legal issues over the years, including charges of domestic violence, assault, and various traffic offenses. In 2012, he was arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly threatened his girlfriend’s son with a knife. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and was sentenced to probation and counseling.
DMX
Image Source: WELT
DMX has faced a variety of legal issues over the years, including charges of drug possession, animal cruelty, and various traffic offenses. In 2018, he was sentenced to one year in prison for tax evasion, and he served a little over a year before his release.
Lil Wayne
Image Source: NPR
In 2010, Lil Wayne was arrested and charged with gun possession after police found a loaded handgun on his tour bus. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to one year in prison, but he was released after serving eight months. He really lived up to the rapper expectations in this instance.
James Brown
Image Source: Oxygen
James Brown had several legal issues over the years, including charges of domestic violence and drug possession. In 1988, he was arrested and charged with assault and battery after he allegedly threatened his wife with a handgun. He later pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to six years in prison, but he was released after serving two and a half years.
Snoop Dogg
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Snoop Dogg has had numerous legal issues over the years, including charges of drug possession, gun possession, and assault. In 1993, he was charged with murder after a member of a rival gang was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting. He was later acquitted of the murder charges, but he pleaded guilty to gun possession and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Paul McCartney
Image Source: Daily Express
Everyone’s favourite Liverpudlian. One quarter of the most popular band of all time. It’s Paul McCartney! Upon his arrival to Tokyo, he was caught with nearly half a pound of marijuana, and whilst insisting it was for his personal use only, he served just 9 days in the Tokyo Narcotics Detention Center. Not even a Beatle can get away with it…
Jane Fonda
Image Source: Vogue
Jane Fonda spent just one night in jail in 1970 when she was on a speaking tour protesting the Vietnam war. At just 32, it wouldn’t be the last time Fonda would be behind bars. At aged 81, she was arrested again whilst protesting. This time for her protest to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis.
