Former anti-gang worker charged with robbing rapper

By WAVE WIRE SERVICES

Story Created: Jan 14, 2009 at 1:38 AM PST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2009 at 5:04 PM PST

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VAN NUYS — A documented gang member who worked with city anti-gang programs pleaded not guilty Tuesday to robbing rapper Byron McCane of the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in the musician's room at the Universal City Hilton.

Marlo Jones, also known as "Bow Wow," 30, was arraigned this afternoon in Van Nuys Superior Court on one count each of robbery and burglary. A preliminary hearing was set for Jan. 26.

The criminal complaint alleges that the Jan. 5 crime was to further a criminal street gang.

Jones had been listed as a contract employee with Unity One — a subcontractor under the city of Los Angeles' L.A. Bridges II Gang Intervention program -- but he was immediately terminated from his position, authorities said.

Jones and several other people allegedly confronted McCane — also known as "Bizzy Bone" — in his hotel room. Authorities said the rapper was choked, then robbed of his jewelry.

Police are searching for other suspects.

Jones is on probation following his no contest plea last November to one count of felony spousal abuse, according to the District Attorney's Office.

He also was convicted in 1996 of robbery and in 1999 of possession of cocaine, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Jones, who was arrested Saturday, is being held in lieu of $300,000 bail. If convicted as charged, Jones faces up to 28 years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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