Erica Banks, an Atlanta rapper and reality TV star of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta," was reportedly arrested for possessing a stolen firearm at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As first reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Banks, whose real name is Erica Scharmane Breaux, was taken into custody by Atlanta police on a charge of theft by receiving stolen property after a gun was found in her carry-on luggage. According to records, Banks was released from Clayton County Jail a few hours following her arrest.
The incident occurred at the airport's North Checkpoint on Wednesday, where Transportation Security Administration agents discovered a black and gray Smith & Wesson in her Louis Vuitton bag. The gun was loaded with six rounds, although no bullet was chambered, and it was later determined to have been stolen in 2018 from Greenville, South Carolina. In a statement obtained by 11Alive News, Banks claimed the gun belonged to her security, but did not offer up a name.
Breaux, 26 faces two charges, one being theft by receiving stolen property, and the other a violation of weapon laws – specifically, possession of a firearm at an airport checkpoint. While authorities reported that Banks was not under the influence of any substances during her arrest, and there were no injuries involved, these charges carry significant legal consequences in the state of Georgia.
Banks, who gained popularity with her 2020 hit "Buss It," and later joined the Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast in 2023, faced these legal troubles right as the show returned for its 13th season on July 8, as mentioned by 11Alive News. It is still uncertain whether her arrest will feature in the storyline for the upcoming 14th season of the reality series. After her release, Breaux posted an Instagram video from inside a vehicle, showing bars on the windows, and assured her followers, "I'm good yall, thanks for checking." Her case is expected to proceed through the Clayton County court system, but as of yet no public statement from her attorney has been made available concerning the arrest or the charges.
