Georgia rapper Quando Rondo has been sentenced to 33 months in prison on Wednesday due to conspiracy charges linked to marijuana possession and distribution.

Known as Tyquian Bowman, Rondo initially could have faced a five-year sentence, but he reached a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in August, admitting guilt only to the marijuana charge and dropping other related accusations.

The sentencing, overseen by Judge R. Stan Baker, concludes a federal case that began nearly a year ago.

Had the case proceeded to trial, federal lawyers were prepared to present expert testimony regarding criminal street gangs and drug trafficking.

Why was Quando Rondo sentenced to 33 months?

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Bradley Thompson, recommended that Bowman receive a 37-month prison term and a $50,000 fine. He noted that young fans look up to the rapper and expressed hope that this sentence would motivate him to pursue a more positive path.

Thompson pointed out references in Rondo’s recent song, “Life Goes On,” noting that it featured a scene where Rondo released blue and white balloons in memory of his murdered friend, Saviaya Robinson. This trend of using rap lyrics as courtroom evidence has been increasingly common.

In November, Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk faced charges in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire scheme that supposedly led to Robinson’s death, per prosecutors. Thompson emphasized that Rondo should move away from affiliations with the Crips gang.

Bowman’s defense lawyer, Tom Withers, urged the court to impose a lighter sentence of 24 months, highlighting “unique circumstances,” including evolving marijuana laws and the challenges faced by young offenders. He claimed Rondo was distancing himself from gang activities and overcoming a difficult childhood marked by abuse and foster care.

Rondo made a statement in court, taking responsibility for his actions.

Judge Baker accepted Rondo’s plea agreement and sentenced him to 33 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $40,000 fine, with his prison term set to begin on January 10, 2025.

The judge noted that while Rondo is no longer involved in gang activities, his past actions constituted a “sophisticated conspiracy.” The rapper allegedly marketed marijuana in packaging that included a QR code linking to his music.

After the hearing, both Withers and Rondo chose not to make further comments and were seen sharing embraces with family and friends outside the courthouse.

What charges did Quando Rondo face?

Originally, federal prosecutors charged Bowman with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute drugs and distribution of controlled substances. It was alleged that since January 2021, he conspired with two co-defendants to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

As part of his plea deal, the government agreed to drop some charges, specifically those regarding methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. They also committed to returning items seized from Rondo, including jewelry.

Rondo’s recent sentencing is just a part of a broader legal situation he faces.

On June 14, a grand jury indicted Rondo for conspiracy related to violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and the Street Gang Terrorism Act, along with illegal use of communications. The June indictment suggested Rondo had ties to the Rollin’ 60s gang and solicited members for guns to help arrange a marijuana deal.

On February 1, shortly after the federal indictment was made public, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes placed Rondo’s trial on a dead docket due to the federal case, which includes charges stemming from the same events. This case currently remains on the dead docket per court documents, which puts it on hold indefinitely but allows for future reinstatement at the court’s discretion.

In a different incident, Rondo was arrested on February 6 for an occurrence from July 19, 2023, where he faced charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs. A trial Additionally, the date is set for February 2025.

On June 19, a civil lawsuit was initiated by a man against Bowman. He claims that Bowman collided with his vehicle on July 19, 2023, leading to “serious bodily injuries” and accruing medical expenses exceeding $8,000. This case is still in progress.