It doesn't matter that Tavon White—a Baltimore convict—helmed a drug-smuggling operation and impregnated four prison guards while serving out a stint in prison. Prosecutors on Monday reduced White's sentence from 20 years to 12 years because he cooperated with authorities and testified against other prison inmates involved in the drug ring, which included two corrections officers, the New York Daily News reports.
As a result of White's testimony, at least 35 people involved in the drug operation pleaded guilty. White was a member of the Black Guerrilla Family prison gang and essentially ran the Baltimore City Detention Center. During a phone call, White once said that he was "the law" and "this is my jail," the Daily News reports.
White was praised by prosecutors for "convincing fellow inmates to be less violent" during his time as the leader of the prison drug operation, the Daily News reports. He banned stabbing as a means of retaliation against other gang members, which reduced the number of violent attacks in the prison.
A district judge commended White for being brave and divulging key information about the drug ring and the inmates and corrections officers involved.
"It took great courage to do what he did," U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander said. As a result of his cooperation, "this is a man in danger," the judge said.
White initially faced a maximum sentence of 20 years for his crimes, but he'll now serve the commuted 12-year sentence concurrently with another 20-year sentence he began in 2009 for attempted murder, the Baltimore Sun reported.
Read more at the New York Daily News and the Baltimore Sun.