A man who witnessed the slaying of Jam Master Jay was sentenced to 17 years in prison Wednesday for committing multiple robberies after the rap legend's death, reports the Associated Press.

Federal prosecutors say Ronald Washington not only witnessed the 2002 shooting in Jay's Queens recording studio, but they claim he also brandished a gun and made people in the studio stay on the floor while an unidentified gunman shot Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.      

Washington, 40, has denied any involvement and has not been charged in JMJ's killing. Still, prosecutors asked a judge to consider it in sentencing Washington.

U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon declined, noting that Washington wasn't prosecuted in the shooting.