Michael Lawrence Tyler Sentenced to 20 Years for Third-Degree Rape
"If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence." – Mystikal, addressing the court during his sentencing hearing.
Prairieville, LA – Michael Lawrence Tyler, the rapper professionally known as Mystikal, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 16 after pleading guilty to third-degree rape. The conviction stems from an incident at Tyler’s home in Prairieville, Louisiana, in 2022.
Plea and Sentencing
Tyler, 55, was originally arrested in 2022 on charges of first-degree rape and false imprisonment. In March, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree rape. The initial charge of first-degree rape carried a potential life sentence.
Days before sentencing, Tyler filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, stating he had insufficient time to consider the consequences and was under emotional distress. The judge denied this motion.
Prosecutors also filed notices not to pursue nine additional charges, including false imprisonment, domestic abuse battery by strangulation, and simple robbery.
Court Proceedings
During the sentencing hearing, the woman involved in the incident addressed the judge and requested the maximum sentence. She stated that Tyler choked her, pulled her hair, and raped her.
Tyler responded in court, saying, "If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence."
The victim also testified that Tyler took her keys and phone, raped her, and forced her to send money via CashApp before allowing her to leave.
Family Reaction
Following the sentencing, Million Tyler, the rapper’s son, spoke to TMZ. He described the past few days as emotional for himself and his family. He stated that he feels for both the woman and his father, adding that there are "no winners" in the situation.
Million said he is not ready to visit his father in prison yet but intends to have a conversation with him in the future. He left a message for Tyler: "I hope you get the help you need. I really hope you do."
Legal History
Tyler has a documented history of prior convictions:
- 2003: Pleaded guilty to sexual battery against his hairstylist; served six years in prison.
- 2012: Served three months for misdemeanor domestic abuse.
- 2017: Charged with rape and kidnapping, but the case was dropped.
Tyler is registered as a sex offender. He is best known for the hit songs "Shake Ya Ass" and "Danger (Been So Long)."