Frank Lucas, Immortalized In 'American Gangster,' Sentenced To Five Years' Probation
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - The man whose career as a drug kingpin formed the basis for the movie "American Gangster'' has been sentenced for stealing a government check.
Frank Lucas had pleaded guilty in May to taking a $17,000 federal assistance check, cashing it and then claiming it was lost and cashing a replacement check.
A state Superior Court judge sentenced the 81-year-old Lucas to five years' probation on Friday.
Lucas suffers from arthritis and diabetes, and appeared at the sentencing in a wheelchair.
Lucas' exploits as a major heroin importer in the 1970s were immortalized in the 2007 movie in which he was played by Denzel Washington.
Sound off with your thoughts and comments in the section below...
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
