An Upper Marlboro man who assisted in youth basketball programs has been sentenced to 100 months in prison.
Herman "Curtis" Malone, 45, was sentenced Wednesday for his role in a network that distributed substantial quantities of cocaine and heroin in the D.C. area.
Prosecutors say Malone conspired with others from August 2012 to August 2013 to distribute the drugs. Malone claimed responsibility for at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least 100 grams of heroin.
Malone was the founder of the D.C. Assault Basketball Program, which helped develop the talent of young athletes and tried to get them onto college rosters.
He was charged following a year-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On Aug. 9, 2013, the DEA found a loaded .40-caliber handgun in the upstairs bedroom of Malone's home in Upper Marlboro. Downstairs in the basement, agents found 998.5 grams of cocaine and 81.2 grams of heroin, a bag of .40-caliber ammunition, and cocaine residue in a sink and trash can.
Malone had a prior conviction in 1991 that made it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
"Curtis Malone had the opportunity to be a positive role model for young people, but with today's prison sentence, he becomes a cautionary tale," said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. on Wednesday. "....We hope that young people who see Malone's fate will steer clear of the lifestyle that led to his downfall."
Malone pleaded guilty in March to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.
Three others have also pleaded guilty to charges in the case.
Following his prison term, Malone will have five years of supervised release, during which he must perform 75 hours of community service per year. He must also pay a forfeiture money judgment of $150,000.
Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder says Malone will pay a "dear price" for betraying the community's trust.
"As a father, I cannot think of anything worse in life than being entrusted the future of our youth and abusing that privileged as Mr. Malone has clearly done."
Malone was previously convicted in 1991 of a felony offense for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Prince George's County, Md.
