Behind Bars: Rapper Casanova Receives Heavy Sentence for Racketeering and Drug Crimes

American rapper Casanova has been handed a sentence of over 15 years in prison for his involvement in racketeering and narcotics-related crimes.

On Tuesday, June 27, U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern sentenced Casanova to 188 months, equivalent to a little over 15 years, in prison for his role as a leader in the Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang, also known as Gorilla Stone. 

The announcement was made by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated, "Caswell Senior is not only a well-known recording artist but also a prominent leader of a dangerous street gang and a catalyst for gang violence. 

At a crowded party in Miami, Senior personally discharged a firearm, causing serious injuries to a victim and potentially putting their life at risk, which led to a shootout. 

Moreover, Senior's influence in the community was instrumental in Gorilla Stone's recruitment efforts and nationwide expansion. 

Today's sentencing, along with the significant sentences imposed in this case, once again demonstrates that a life involved in gangs is not worthwhile and will result in many years behind bars."

In January, Casanova pleaded guilty to racketeering and narcotics offenses related to his leadership role in the Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang. 

As part of his plea, the 36-year-old rapper admitted his involvement in a shooting in Florida in July 2020 and a robbery in New York City in 2018. 

He also confessed to trafficking over 100 kilograms of marijuana.

Casanova was one of 18 individuals indicted in December 2020 for the aforementioned criminal charges linked to the gang. 

Initially, he maintained his innocence after surrendering to authorities, pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and firearms possession.

In August, Casanova's co-defendant Donovan "Donnie Love" Gillard received a sentence of 20 years and eight months in prison. 

Prosecutors stated during his sentencing that Gillard's leadership role involved ensuring compliance with the gang's rules, including retaliating against rival gang members who posed threats to the gang's drug trade and reputation. 

They added that Gillard played a part in recruiting young individuals to join the violent gang and ensuring their familiarity with the Gorilla Stone oath and rules.

Casanova is the twelfth defendant in the Gorilla Stone case to be sentenced thus far. Five additional defendants have pleaded guilty and are currently awaiting sentencing.