The leader of a nationwide marijuana-trafficking ring was sentenced in Alexandria’s federal court to more than 18 years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered 46-year-old Anthony Guidry Sr., of Vallejo, Calif., to serve 18 years and four months behind bars for operating a ring that distributed marijuana through the mail.
Nineteen people were charged in June in connection with the case. Court records say they recruited distributors in cities and on college campuses in 11 states, including Virginia.
“Mr. Gurdry led an extensive, nationwide marijuana distribution ring that targeted young markets, especially college campuses,” Neil MacBride, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said in a statement.
Prosecutors say the ring was uncovered when a man arrested in Alexandria last January called other conspirators while he was in custody to make sure they continued dealing marijuana.
The ring had operated since 2005 and has generated at least $2 million in profits, court documents say.
