John Paul Jr. Given 5-Year Sentence for Drug Racketeering

Race driver John Paul Jr. was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison on drug racketeering charges.

Paul, 26, pleaded guilty in Jacksonville, Fla., to racketeering and false passport charges and was sentenced to the maximum penalty under terms of a plea bargain agreement. U.S. District Judge Susan Black also ordered him to serve a five-year probation and to perform 500 hours of community service upon his release from prison.

Paul remains in custody of Jacksonville federal marshals. He may be released temporarily before reporting to begin his term, but only on the condition that he not race, Asst. U.S. Atty. Thomas Morris said. Morris estimated that Paul, who had planned to race in the Indianapolis 500, would serve a minimum of 20 months.