The wait is finally over, but the news isn't what many fans were hoping for. Honestly, the saga of Kevin Perez—better known to the world as Bronx drill sensation Kay Flock—reached its grim conclusion just a few weeks ago. If you’ve been scouring the internet for the Kay Flock sentence date, you should know that the hammer officially came down on December 16, 2025.
He’s going away for a long time.
U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman didn't hold back during the proceedings in Manhattan federal court. He sentenced the 22-year-old rapper to 30 years in federal prison. It's a massive blow to the New York drill scene, especially considering how fast his star was rising before everything went sideways. One minute he's collaborating with Cardi B on "Shake It," and the next, he's the face of a massive federal RICO case.
Breaking Down the Dec. 16 Hearing
The atmosphere in the courtroom was reportedly heavy. Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York (SDNY) weren't just looking for a slap on the wrist; they were actually pushing for 50 years. They argued that Perez wasn't just a rapper playing a character. They claimed he was the literal leader of the "Sev Side" or "DOA" gang based on East 187th Street.
According to the feds, the music and the violence were essentially the same thing.
Judge Liman seemed to agree with at least some of that perspective. While he acknowledged that Perez was young—his brain still "evolving and maturing" during the crimes—the judge noted that the "harm was immense." The 30-year sentence includes convictions for racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder. Interestingly, Perez was actually acquitted of a first-degree murder charge earlier in 2025, which gave some fans hope for a lighter outcome. That hope didn't translate into the final math.
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Why the Kay Flock Sentence Date Kept Moving
You might remember the sentencing was originally expected much earlier. Legal battles involving witness testimony caused some of the lag. For instance, a witness named Ashanti Washington was actually charged with perjury for allegedly lying during the trial. These kinds of side-dramas often slow down the gears of the federal justice system.
Then there was the March 2025 conviction itself. Once a jury finds you guilty on RICO charges, the probation department has to do a deep dive into your history before a judge sets the final date.
- Original Arrest: December 2021
- Federal Conviction: March 2025
- Final Sentencing: December 16, 2025
- Supervised Release: 5 years (after prison)
Perez spoke at his hearing, trying to explain that he was "just a kid" when a lot of this happened. He told the court, "What I was at 18 is not what I am today." It’s a sentiment many young men in the system share, but the prosecution countered by pointing to his social media. They highlighted posts where he reportedly wrote "KILL ALL RATS" even after his trial had started. That kind of thing rarely sits well with a federal judge.
The Impact on New York Drill
It's hard to overstate how much this changes the landscape. Kay Flock was arguably the biggest name in the genre's "second wave." His "D.O.A. Tape" was a massive success, and he had the industry's eyes on the Bronx. Now, the government is using his case as a blueprint for how they handle "gang-related" music.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton was pretty blunt about it. He said Perez used "violence and fame to fuel fear." This case wasn't just about one shooting; it was about a series of retaliatory acts between 2020 and 2022 that the feds say Perez orchestrated or participated in.
What’s Next for Kevin Perez?
With a 30-year sentence, Perez is looking at a release date somewhere in the early 2050s, depending on credits for "good time" served while awaiting trial. Federal prisoners generally must serve at least 85% of their sentence.
If you are following the legalities, keep an eye on the appeals process. His defense team, led by Michael Ashley, had requested the mandatory minimum of 10 years, arguing that Perez was influenced by older gang members in a dangerous neighborhood. While an appeal is likely, overturning a federal racketeering conviction is a notoriously steep uphill battle.
For those looking to stay updated on his location or potential inmate status changes, you can monitor the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator using his legal name, Kevin Perez. Most high-profile RICO defendants from NYC are eventually moved to high-security facilities outside of the immediate Tri-State area to break local gang ties.
The era of Kay Flock as an active force in music is, for the foreseeable future, over.