#17981-057

Federal Sentence: 15 years, 8 months (188 months)
Offense: Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride (powder cocaine)
Court: Middle District of North Carolina
Priors: None
Date of Sentencing: 3/21/96
Date of Birth: 2/08/61
Projected Release Date: 7/24/2009

Nature of Offense: Greg Cooke’s case is emblematic of the current drug conspiracy laws.  Greg was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride but was found not guilty of the two counts of possession of cocaine that were leveled against him.  No evidence of drugs, drug residue, drug paraphernalia, or drug money was ever found in Greg’s possession. The only evidence against him was the conflicting testimony of three members of the conspiracy—William Goodale, Robert Curley, and Donna Ponzio (Curley’s girlfriend).  They claimed they drove shipments of cocaine ranging from two to six kg from Florida to Greg’s home in Mt. Airy, North Carolina between 1991 and 1993.  In return, all three pled guilty to related charges and received significantly shorter sentences even though Curley and Goodale allegedly supplied Greg with up to 50 kg of cocaine.  Greg admits that he knew these people.  He knew Goodale through the sport of tractor pulling during the late 1980s.  In addition Goodale would occasionally visit Greg’s shop in North Carolina.  Greg claims he met Curley and his girlfriend inadvertently when the two were lost in North Carolina and looking for Goodale.  However, Greg denies ever purchasing cocaine from them and went to trial to prove his innocence. 

Sentences of Others Involved: Due to their extensive cooperation, William Goodale was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment while Robert Curly received 83 months. 

Guideline Sentence: Greg’s base offense level was 34 because he was held responsible for between 15 and 50 kg of cocaine.  He received a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice when he testified to his innocence, thus committing perjury in the government’s view.  With no criminal history points and a total offense level of 36, the guideline range was 188-235 months.  Greg was sentenced to the low end of the range: 188 months in prison.

Personal Background: Greg’s son from his first marriage was 10 when Greg was sentenced. Greg is an expert mechanic and has many privileges at the air force base where he is imprisoned. He has access to a truck and performs maintenance there.  Greg has never been involved with any kind of drug use besides alcohol, and family members stated that they had no knowledge of Greg ever having used drugs.

Compiled from inmate letters and PSR
8/6/03 Alexander Holley/JC