LATEST: Rapper YUNG JOC has apologised for turning up late to a court hearing, insisting he has "the utmost respect for the laws" of the U.S.

The It's Goin' Down hitmaker - real name Jasiel Robinson - was scheduled to face a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a Cleveland, Ohio court on Wednesday (26Dec07), but turned up to the court seven hours late.

But in a statement obtained by website TMZ.com, Robinson claims he does have respect for authority. He says, "I have the utmost respect for the laws of this country and would never deliberately commit an act that would jeopardize my freedom, my family, or my career.

"I've worked very hard to achieve my goals, and it's unfortunate that this current situation has garnered more attention than the many donations I've made and the charitable work I've done with various organizations."

Robinson faces the charges after being arrested on Sunday night (23Dec07), accused of attempting to take a loaded semi-automatic handgun through security at Ohio's Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.