Barrett Prody, 52, former owner of JT Cigarro’s in Fargo and O’Leary’s Irish Pub in Moorhead, was sentenced Monday to 190 months (over 15 years) in federal prison for leading a cocaine distribution operation spanning North Dakota, Minnesota, and Florida. Despite his attorney requesting leniency due to “end-stage organ diseases” including congestive heart failure and liver sclerosis, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Peter Welte denied the request. Prody pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, obstruction of justice, money laundering, and running a criminal enterprise. Federal prosecutors said Prody’s organization distributed approximately 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine. He laundered drug proceeds through various investments, including a Florida condominium and a Colombian apartment. After his April 2024 arrest, he attempted to avoid asset forfeiture by transferring ownership to his mother. Prody, who gained notoriety through his relationship with O.J. Simpson (his sister Christie dated Simpson), must also serve five years of supervised release.
Comments