Anthony Gonzalez, former manager of the rap duo Clipse, was sentenced Monday to 32 years in prison after admitting his role as the leader of a $20 million drug ring .
Gonzalez, who goes by “Tony” or “Geezy,” received the minimum sentence under federal guidelines, based in part on his cooperation with the government, a relatively minor criminal record and a swell of family and community support.
Gonzalez, 34, admitted running the organization chiefly from the Virginia Beach nightclub Encore Lounge, now closed. The ring has been linked to one-time Olympic gold medalist Tim Montgomery, as well as former Bloods gang leader Marlon Reed.
Gonzalez apologized before he was led away.
Anthony Gonzalez
“I just want to say that I’m sorry to my family and I’m sorry to the community,” he told U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Friedman.
Prosecutors said that in a five-year period, Gonzalez was responsible for distributing more than a half-ton of cocaine, a ton of marijuana and hundreds of pounds of heroin throughout the region. Authorities initially had estimated Gonzalez’s drug operation as having a gross worth of $10 million but now say that figure should be doubled.
“These are obviously staggering amounts of drugs,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl Mitchell told the judge. “One can only imagine what that’s done to the community.”
Gonzalez made millions from his drug enterprise, according to court records, but now has a “negative net worth,” according to the judge, who didn’t impose a fine.
But Gonzalez lived large while he was free, staying at five-star resorts and buying luxury cars and homes.
His attorney, Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., described Gonzalez as an intelligent individual who could have been successful without dealing drugs.
“It’s always puzzling and sad when someone with that ability doesn’t use it for constructive purposes,” Woodward said.
He added that Gonzalez knew before his arrest that one day soon he’d end up dead or in prison. He was living “a bad dream that he couldn’t find a way out of,” Woodward said.
The judge even seemed puzzled by Gonzalez’s recklessness.
“It’s hard for me to imagine it’s the same person,” Friedman said, comparing Gonzalez’s background and letters of support with his drug activities.
About 40 supporters packed the courtroom.
“We love you,” some shouted as Gonzalez was led away in handcuffs.
Gonzalez could in the future get his sentence reduced based on his cooperation
Source: The Virginian-Pilot
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