Update 08/18/2022 5:50pm:

Casanova's co-defendant and the man accused of being the "Godfather" to the Gorilla Stone gang was reportedly sentenced to 20 years and eight months for racketeering on Wednesday.

Last week, federal prosecutors requested that Donovan "Donnie Love" Gillard receive between 20 and 24 years after the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to racketeering. The alleged "street leader" was linked to various crimes, including the trafficking of hundreds of pounds of marijuana, attempted murder, and a fraud scheme related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Casanova, who's also pleaded guilty to racketeering and narcotics charges, is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16. The rapper is facing a maximum of 60 years in prison.

Scroll above to view a copy of the judgment and additional documents.

Original 08/11/2022 12:44pm:

Federal prosecutors in New York are requesting a prison term of between 20 and 24 years for one of Casanova's co-defendants who allegedly served as a "Godfather" to the Gorilla Stone gang. 

Donovan "Donnie Love" Gillard, 31, is set to be sentenced Aug. 17 after pleading guilty to a racketeering charge. Prosecutors have linked him to marijuana sales totaling between 220 and 881 pounds, as well as a failed attempt to murder a rival gang member and a scheme to defraud an unemployment benefits program during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a sentencing brief filed in federal court, the Southern District of New York's U.S. Attorney's office described Gillard as the "Godfather" of the "Money Gang Cave" of Gorilla Stone, as well as the "acting Street Leader" of the entire organization. They say that gave Gillard the power to order shootings and other acts of violence, and that he was entitled to proceeds from drug trafficking activities out of state. 

"Gillard’s leadership role meant that 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," three federal prosecutors wrote in the sentencing brief. "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." 

Gillard's defense attorneys have asked for a sentence "no greater" than the mandatory minimum of five years, describing him as a "well-respected member of the community" who made it through a traumatic childhood, which included the death of his mother. A defense sentencing brief describes Gillard as a caring father of a young daughter and a man full of potential. 

"He is the role model to his girlfriend's sons, a role he is equally eager to return to, and an ailing aunt that previously relied on his support and daily assistance," his attorneys wrote in court records. 

U.S. District Judge Phillip Halpern will rule on Gillard's sentence next week. His decision may give an indication of what sentence Casanova will receive when he goes before Halpern for a sentencing hearing in December. Casanova has pleaded guilty to a racketeering offense and faces a maximum of life in prison. 

On Monday, another of Casanova's co-defendants, Isaiah Santos, pleaded guilty to racketeering. Santos is believed to be a lower-ranking Gorilla Stone member and was accused of drug trafficking and gun possession. His sentencing date has been set for February 2023. 

Written By: Nate Gartrell