DRUG-PUSHING HIP-HOP MOGUL LOCKED UP FOR LIFE
Hip-hop mogul ALTON ‘ACE CAPONE’ COLES has been locked up for life after he was convicted on Thursday (16Apr09) of helming a violent drug dealing empire.
Coles, owner of Take Down Records, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Pennsylvania’s major cities and leading a criminal enterprise which hauled out $25 million (£17.8 million) worth of the drug onto the streets.
He was also charged with weapons possession and money laundering after the jury returned with just 14 not guilty verdicts out of the 137 counts against him.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 55 years.
According to prosecutors, Coles used his record label as a front to launder drug money.
Cole, who testified in his own defence, refuted the claims - insisting his massive wealth was acquired through his music company and the selling of a legal powder that dealers use to stretch out cocaine in order to make maximum profit.
Judge R. Barclay Surrick told Coles, "You never respect life, or the value of it, until it’s taken away." He was originally arrested and charged in 2005.
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
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