by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton
U.S. District Judge Matthew Leitman will sentence the 41-year-old former athlete.
“Although he has no criminal convictions, criminal activity is Horne’s livelihood,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein stated in a sentencing memorandum. “Horne makes his money through drug trafficking. Horne will undoubtedly point to his legitimate employment to argue otherwise. But the drugs and drug paraphernalia at residences associated with him, and his lack of legitimate income to substantiate his expenses, tell a different story.”
Prosecutors have filed a memorandum requesting that Horne serve as much as 14 months in prison and stated that the judge should consider the drug trafficking allegations when he rules.
Horne’s attorney, James King, is asking the judge to ignore the allegations, citing a lack of proof.
“These allegations are an attempt to punish Mr. Horne without so much as finding of probable cause connecting Mr. Horne to any illegal items or activity,” King said. “The government is unable to connect Mr. Horne to the sale of any drugs. There have been no recorded wiretaps, hand-to-hand transactions, or proof of conspiring to sell or purchase drugs.”
“…In a time of national crisis, Horne’s selfish actions harmed not only the Small Business Association but also those individuals who legitimately sought timely financial assistance,” the prosecutor wrote.
Horne admitted his guilt and told his attorney, “It was a stupid decision. People kept telling me how easy it was and that all I had to do was pay the money back. I let one decision change my entire life. Now, I have to be a felon for the rest of my life. It’s embarrassing. I’m going to lose everything and have to start all over again.”
After graduating from Central Michigan University, he was on the practice squad for the Detroit Lions before playing in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts. He was also a recording artist who used the moniker OuttaTown.
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Source: Black Enterprise
