*Ashanti can rest a bit easier now since the man who stalked her will spend more time behind bars.
According to Billboard, an New York City jury found Devar Hurd guilty of felony 2nd degree stalking on Friday (03-18-16). The ruling comes after Ashanti appeared in court on Wednesday to testify against Hurd, who represented himself and read back lewd tweets and text messages he’d sent her.
During his 30-minute cross-examination, Hurd continuously put Ashanti on the spot as he challenged her on whether he ever approached her in person, Page Six acknowledged.
“You continuously tweeted over and over again disgusting, derogatory things to me,” an upset Ashanti responded. “I just wish you would stop.”
In his closing argument Hurd stated to the jury that sending sexually explicit stuff is not a crime and excessive tweeting is not stalking. In his eyes, Ashanti could’ve simply avoided him by hitting “block.”
READ RELATED STORY: Ashanti Talks Being ‘Betrayed’ By Nelly, Having a ‘Stalker’ (Watch)
READ RELATED STORY: Ashanti Grilled With Sexually Explicit Questions By Alleged Stalker in Court
Friday’s ruling marks the latest development in the case, which was initially tried in December 2014. Billboard notes a mistrial resulted when a juror grew ill during deliberations. Although Hurd was tried again in October and convicted on several counts, a verdict couldn’t be reached at the time.
In light of the latest decision from the court, Hurd, who has been in jail since his 2013 arrest for stalking, could be handed an additional 1 & 1/2 to 4 years when he’s sentenced later this month, TMZ reports.
Taking to social media, Ashanti tweeted her feelings on the outcome of the trial Friday as she thanked God and her fans for their “love, support & Prayers!!!” To see Ashanti’s tweet, scroll below:
First & Foremost thank you God!!!! ?????? & Thanku guys for all of your love, support & Prayers!!!! Verdict is in. #Guilty
— ASHANTI (@ashanti) March 18, 2016
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