Casanova, an American rapper, was sentenced to more than 15 years in jail for racketeering and drug-related offenses.
Casanova was sentenced to 188 months in prison on Tuesday, June 27, by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern for racketeering and narcotics violations for his role as a commander in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang, nicknamed Gorilla Stone. The statement was made today by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams.
“Caswell Senior is not only a notorious recording artist, but he is also a high-profile leader of a vicious street gang and a magnet for gang violence,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Senior personally discharged a gun at a crowded Miami home party, badly injuring and potentially killing a victim and sparking a gunfight. Furthermore, Senior’s community standing was critical to Gorilla Stone’s successful recruitment and nationwide expansion. Today’s punishment, together with the other heavy terms issued in this case, demonstrates once again that gang life is not worth it and will result in many years in jail.”
Casanova pled guilty to racketeering and drugs charges in connection with his leadership role in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang back in January. As part of his guilty plea, the 36-year-old admitted to authorities that he was involved in a July 2020 Florida shooting and a 2018 New York City heist, as well as trafficking over 100 kg of marijuana.
Cas was one of 18 suspected gang members indicted on the aforementioned criminal accusations in December 2020. He initially maintained his innocence after surrendering to authorities, pleading not guilty to counts of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled narcotics, and guns possession.
Donovan “Donnie Love” Gillard, Casanova’s co-defendant, was sentenced to 20 years and eight months in jail in August. “Gillard’s leadership role meant he was responsible for ensuring that his many reports followed the gang’s rules, including retaliating against rival gang members who threatened the gang’s narcotics dealing or its overall reputation and stature,” prosecutors said at his sentencing.
“Gillard was responsible for ensuring that his reports learned the Gorilla Stone oath and its various rules, and he played a role in recruiting young members to the violent gang.”
Casanova is the 12th defendant sentenced in the Gorilla Stone case. Five more people have pled guilty and will be sentenced soon.
