According to authorities, these convictions of BMFs top members end a 15 year investigation into the Black Mafia Familys criminal enterprise. He and Terry also will get a three-year reduction in their sentences for time served. The judge read Terry's sentence so quickly that many of his supporters missed it. His new release date is now set for 2028. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson reduced. BMF was founded by the brothers in Detroit during the late 1980s. In June,AllHipHop reported Meech was granted a sentence reduction from U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson to have his 360-month sentence (30 years) shortened to 324 months (27 years). You may recognise the phrase from the cult classic film Pulp Fiction.. Meech, 40, and Terry, 38, were at the pinnacle of close to 150 defendants indicted in federal cases across the country. Most notable support came through rapper LL Cool J and rapper/tv show producer 50 Cent, who is currently working on a series surrounding the lives of the BMF. Then in 2000, the duo started a record label named BMF Entertainment [standing for Black Mafia Family], where they launched the career of many high-profile hip hop artists such as Young Jeezy, Fabolous, and Trina. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A moment later, a team of U.S. marshals escorted a slender man, gazing straight ahead through rimless glasses, into the courtroom. BMF Entertainment takes credit for helping launch the career of the rapperJeezy. An example sentence would be: "I'm hungry asl." This therefore means . "When the electric and gas got cut off, we pray and to pray is to have faith that God is going to help you or show you the way to help yourself, faith without works means nothing so after many nights with the gas and lights off and going to school with holes in the bottom of my 2 for $15 Payless shoes, and my brother and I wearing the same clothes every other day. []. Had they been convicted of the rarely invoked charge, which is similar to a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations prosecution, they would be required to serve life sentences. Federal prosecutors believed the former rap promoter remained a danger to the community and would not suffer from any of the COVID-19 risk factors. Copyright 2023 AllHipHop.com LLC 2023-Infinity, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window). All Rights Reserved. 12. Suicide Note Revealed After Shocking Death, Indicted! It isnt much of a spoiler alert to recall the figureheads of the Black Mafia Family were sentenced to decades in federal prison for running the largest cocaine distribution operation in the United States. On Monday a man considered to be one of the Black Mafia Family crime ring's top lieutenants pleaded guilty in federal court to cocaine and money-laundering charges. 117 8.6K views 2 months ago #bigmeech #blackmafiafamily #bmf Big Meech - It's Not About The Evidence One Witness Will Get You A Life Sentence (BMF Documentary) Don't miss out Get 1 week of. Daniels, who was convicted of cocaine conspiracy, as well as several of his co-defendants, including the rapper Barima "Bleu DaVinci" McKnight, will be sentenced in Atlanta later this year. It was supply and demand, simple as that.". Brothers Demetrius Big Meech and Terry Southwest T Flenory were sentenced yesterday (September 12) to 30 years in prison, for running the cocaine organization known as The Black Mafia Family. The show was brought together by fromCurtis "50 Cent" Jackson, 46, and writer/executive producer Randy Huggins. Brandon Caldwell is a freelance writer. Get The Best of Hip Hop and Black News Straight to Your Inbox. Big Meech is expected to be released from prison in 2028. Now you know this BMF show is gonna blow everything off the fucking TV, the real shit different!" 50 Cent wrote in celebration of the ruling. Demetrius Big Meech Flenory is also contesting his release amidst his brothers departure. Seeking to avoid spending the rest of their natural lives in prison, the brothers pleaded guilty in November 2007 to the CCE charges and laundering drug money in hopes of serving the minimum 20 year sentence. Meech's close friend, Tammy Cowins, said before the hearing that both brothers have family members who've depended on them financially including Meech's 8-year-old son and two older daughters, as well as Terry's daughter. "That's your Uncle T," one of the onlookers, Lucille Flenory, whispered to her grandson, sitting next to her. saturn in ardra nakshatra pada 2 bmf bull sentence. Incarcerated BMF co-founder Demetrius Big Meech Flenory got some good news on Monday, June 14, as he received a reduction in his prison sentence. His defense lawyer Wade Fink, mentions that Meech is ubiquitous in hip hop culture and the release will assist him to continue to effect positive change for black youth and others all over the country.. Moments after the hearing, Meech's Detroit attorney, James Feinberg, shook his head. He appealed to have his sentence reduced or even be released from federal prison due to the growing concerns regarding COVID-19 in prison but was denied on four separate occasions. The brothers pleaded guilty in November 2007 to running a continuing criminal enterprise. AS Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory's biopic BMF gets renewed for a second season, we take a look inside his explosive 2007 drug arrest. A papal bull having also been obtained, on the 28th of August 1425, the archbishop, in the course of a visitation of Lincoln diocese, executed his letters patent founding the college, dedicating it to the Virgin, St Thomas Becket and St Edward the Confessor, and handed over the buildings to its members, the vicar of Higham Ferrers being made the first master or warden. U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson reduced Flenorys sentence from 360 months to 324 months, cutting three years off his time. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In 2005, agents raided several key BMF operations in Georgia, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and California. Daniels, who was convicted of cocaine conspiracy, as well as several of his co-defendants, including the rapper Barima "Bleu DaVinci" McKnight, will be sentenced in Atlanta later this year. The . YES! It does not store any personal data. The 53-year-old was busted for moving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Atlanta and sentenced to 30 years in jail. Green Light Gang.. This was the convicted cocaine kingpin's latest attempt to leave federal prison about 10 years early amid the pandemic, according toThe Detroit News. The drug ring operated in cities in 11 states, includingDetroit, Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Birmingham, Alabama. Arrested in 2005, he signed a confidential source agreement with federal investigators building a case against the so-called BMF, describing his role in the Atlanta-based drug ring and naming. Together, the Flenory brothers ran BMF from the late 90s until their arrest in 2007, raking in an alleged $270 million in a cocaine ring with hubs in Atlanta and Los Angeles and distribution points across the country, including Birmingham, Alabama, Miami, Detroit and St. Louis. Big Meech was originally scheduled to be released in November 2031, but it now looks like hell be home in 2028. Flenorys sentence was reduced by 36 months from his original 360 month sentence by U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson, citing that Flenory had met the criteria under the U.S. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The second season of the drama has now been announced, with 50 Cent again serving as executive producer. And, with Meech's guidance, BMF helped jump-start the careers of some of Atlanta's best-known rappers. A report from AllHipHop has confirmed that convicted drug kingpin Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory has been set for early release after a sentence reduction shortened his time by three years . After being remanded to the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, Meech is currently incarcerated in a prison in Oregon. . He sentenced him to 30 years. Ison contended that it wasn't Meech who persuaded Terry to plea. . The native of southwest Detroitheaded a national drug ring with brother Terry Flenory that reaped $270 million in profits, employed more than 500 people and distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine. Flenory was entitled to a reduction because of changes in sentencing guidelines since he was convicted, the judge wrote. Have you seen the abbreviation BMF online and are wondering what it means? In other news, What is the meaning of 'derecho'? Demetriuss initial sentence remains unchanged. By now, most of those co-conspirators have been sentenced including Meech's and Terry's 60-year-old father, Charles Flenory, who received 18 months for using his sons' drug proceeds to pay for renovations on Terry's house; Meech's second-in-command, Chad "J-Bo" Brown, who refused to cooperate and got 15 years in prison; and Terry's longtime girlfriend, Tonesa Welch, who was sentenced a week before the brothers to nearly five years in federal prison for helping Terry launder his drug money. One of those rappers, Young Jeezy, was implicated in BMF's drug trade during the Atlanta federal trial earlier this year of Meech's third-in-command, Fleming "Ill" Daniels. MERCH(only a few left) https://www.americandope.com/shop/coffee-jacket-xsp2m-b9nl6Follow Al Profit: https://www.instagram.com/alprofit/?hl=enFRANK MATTHEWS P. "I don't think 'I'm sorry' is the right thing to say," he told Judge Cohn. As Terry was cuffed and led out of the courtroom, Meech and his attorneys were asked to approach the bench. The two men, both of whom pleaded guilty to federal drugs charges last year, rose from the down-and-out streets of Detroit to build a massive, multistate cocaine empire headquartered in Atlanta and L.A. Still, fans were quick to wonder what Big Meechs status is behind the walls as his son, Demetrius Lil Meech Flenory, Jr. portrays the younger version of him on the small screen. Demetrius was accused of laundering money through his rap label and promotions business, BMF Entertainment, and also co-owned JUICE Magazine. Demetrius and his brother, Lee "Southwest T" Flenory, 49, were dealing drugs back in high school. Both brothers were sentenced to 30 years in prison, but Terry was released to home confinement last May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright 2022 Rolling Out. All Rights Reserved. When it came time for Meech to address the judge, he apologized and said he knew an apology wasn't enough. As reported by REVOLT, 50 Cent is currently working on a new TV series about the multi-million dollar criminal enterprise called Black Mafia Family. In a post on Instagram, the rap mogul reacted to the news of Meechs reduced sentence. Brothers Demetrius Big Meech and Terry Southwest T Flenory were sentenced yesterday (September 12) to 30 years in prison, for running the cocaine organization known as The Black Mafia Family. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Outside the courtroom, in the embrace of Cowins and her granddaughters, she broke down and sobbed. Instead, they took the plea and hoped they'd receive 20 years. Weather term explained as stormy wall nears, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. McKnight claimed Flenory presented himself as being involved in the music industry and it was not until much later that he let him into the cocaine side of the business. "I think you're a very lucky man that it took the government this long to build a case against you," he said. the wedding reception by nyi pu lay; melissa shirley obituary; unable to open extension xhr failed vscode. After three years in waiting, both brothers were sentenced to 30 years in prison. The news means Meech would be eligible for release in 2028. Big Meech and Southwest T led the Black Mafia Family and its illegal drug organization starting in Detroit and lasting from the 1980s to the early 2000s. He told the judge he'd never been in trouble before. He mentioned, Terry Flenory is a really good guy and anyone who knows him would agree with that., With news of Terrys release already making its way around social media, 50 Cent decided it was time for a few jokes. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. After quickly securing valuable contacts with international coke suppliers, the organization grew to a nationwide criminal conspiracy within a few years. YES. The rise of TikTok has brought with it a plethora of slang terms such as BSF, FYP, OF, and many others. The new amendment can be applied to all drug cases after Nov. 1, 2014, which made Flenory eligible. But the most highly anticipated of the prison sentences were Meech's and Terry's. "I'd like to apologize to the government for my ignorance and for them having to spend countless hours working this case," Terry said. The success of BMF on STARZ has led to plenty of questions about the subjects, Terry "Southwest T" Flenory and Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory. 911 Operator Hangs Up On Child While Mother Dies *Audio*!!! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The group began to draw unwanted attention from federal agents in 2003 once they established a high-profile operation in Atlanta, where they erected billboards, held lavish parties, created DVDs, and boasted of their connections with rappers Young Jeezy and Fabolous. All rights Reserved. 50 Cent. [23] During their peak, which took place from 2003 through 2004, the siblings were reportedly moving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Atlanta. traxxas discontinued models; talladega county sheriff's department warrants was originally published on We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. "That meeting did not go very well," she said. As he was ushered out of the courtroom, Meech turned to smile, again, at his friends and family. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. "He's portrayed as this heartless gangster with no love and compassion, and he's actually the total opposite," Cowins said. The news means Meech would be eligible for release in 2028. His brother, Terry Southwest T Flenory, was released from federal prison last May due to health concerns related to COVID-19 and is currently serving out the remainder of his sentence on house arrest. Keisha Lance Bottoms previews President Bidens trip to Selma, Tom Sizemore Dies At The Age Of 61 Following A Brain Aneurysm, Singer Juanialys music brings positive vibes, Songstress Melba Moore continues to pave the way for the next generation, Anslem ElumogoGardner shares the top 3 skills a future executive needs, Dr. Dana Laughlin gives advice for finding a therapist. Investigators seized $21million worth of assets, including cash;jewelry;13 homes in Metro Detroit, Georgia and Los Angeles;andthree dozen vehicles, including a Lincoln limousine. Racist Ex-University Of Kentucky 'Karen' Sophia Rosing Is Charged For Assaulting Black Student, Imagine A White Coach Saying What Deion Sanders Said About Only Recruiting 'Dual Parent' QBs. During his time in prison, Flenory continues to promote himself, and, through others his legacy as a highly successful professional drug dealer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison wrote in a court filing last year. But the experts were ignored again. Quick detach top allows the rubber mat to easily . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The brothers and 60 associates were charged in Detroit, where Meech and Terry birthed the organization. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Although there may be other uses of the abbreviation BMF the most popular meaning of it is Bad Motherf***er.. Publicado el junio 1, 2022 por junio 1, 2022 por Also notable in the organizations downfall was Meechs involvement in a brazen 2003 shootout in the Buckhead nightclub section of Atlanta that left two men dead, including Sean Diddy Combs bodyguard Anthony Wolf Jones. The label was led by Demetrius Flenory who laundered cash from cocaine shipments. Like our content? His work has appeared in The FADER, Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, VIBE, Complex, EBONY, the Village Voice, the Houston Press and more. According to AllHipHop, a U.S. district judge reduced Big Meechs prison sentence from 360 months to 324 months, meaning he will now be freed three years early. It isnt much of a spoiler alert to recall the figureheads of the Black Mafia Family were sentenced to decades in federal prison for running the largest cocaine distribution operation in the United States. 'Law & Order' Star Richard Belzer Passes Away at 78, 50 Cent Makes $165,000 Purchase At Houston Rodeo Wine Auction. & Texas Roll Call 5 years ago Scott Burnstein . The FYP is the main page on TikTok where you can watch videos suggested for you by the algorithm, similar to the Explore Page on Instagram. However, evidence presented by prosecutors resulted in 30 year sentences for both men. you better get it, before he start looking at this sh*t a little different.. Together, the Flenory brothers ran BMF from the late 90s until their arrest in 2007, raking in an alleged $270 million in a cocaine ring with hubs in Atlanta and Los Angeles and distribution points across the country, including Birmingham, Alabama, Miami, Detroit and St. Louis. It isn't much of a spoiler alert to recall the figureheads of the Black Mafia Family were sentenced to decades in federal prison for running the largest cocaine distribution operation in the United States. Would love your thoughts, please comment. In 2007, Big Meech and his brother Terry P.O. Demetrius Flenory laundered money through his rap label and promotions business, BMF Entertainment, andco-ownedJUICE Magazine. Then Meech mom is calling you and texting you to let you know T is home and You ignoring the phone calls. In REVOLTs season five premiere of Maconomics, host Ross Mac shares some financial tips for Had fun with this one, PlayStation, James wrote on social media. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. A lot of people ate off of Demetrius.". theboxhouston.com, 'Dilbert' Comic Creator Calls Black People A 'Hate Group,' Urges Segregation So Whites Can 'Escape', Bernie Mac Show Star Camille Winbush Is Not Ashamed Of Joining OnlyFans, Kyle Rittenhouse Faces 2nd Civil Lawsuit, Continues To Beg For Money From His Supporters, Ben Stein's 'Aunt Jemima' Rant Is A Master Class On White Privilege, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? Prosecutors claimed that Demetrius used his rap label and promotions business BMF Entertainment as a way to launder money earned from his drug empire. He scanned the courtroom, turned to his supporters and flashed a wide smile. After a slew of failed attempts to walk free early, a federal judge finally reduced Big Meech's sentence in June 2021, as he will now be serving 324 months as opposed to his initial 360-month sentence. Brazilian Teenager Dies After Masturbating 42 Times Without Stopping!! Black Mafia Family co-founder Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory was granted an early release from prison on Monday (June 14) and 50 Cent couldn't be happier. Wednesday September 17, 2008 12:04 AM EDT. private label activewear manufacturer uk 0533 929 10 81; does tariq go to jail info@reklamcnr.com; kim from love island australia hairline caner@reklamcnr.com; what is the relationship between sociology and healthcare reklamcnr20@gmail.com To find out the meaning behind BMF and other abbreviations which have gained popularity online, read on below! Meechs original release date was set for 2031, but is now reset for 2028. big meechbmfearly releasesentence reduction, Powered by Source Digital, Inc & The Northstar Group, Visit streaming.thesource.com for more information, Meech was denied a compassionate release because of the coronavirus danger in U.S. prisons, Florida Rapper Arrested For Murder After Saying He Killed A Man In His Video, [WATCH] North West Meets Rapper Ice Spice For TikTok Collab, [WATCH] Fired Nashville Cop Involved In Sex Scandal Files Lawsuit Accusing Police Force Of Sexually Grooming Her, [WATCH] Rapper Sauce Walka Allegedly Arrested After Crew Is Hit With RICO Charges, [WATCH] Rickey Smiley Attempted To Send Son To Rehab Before Alleged Overdose, Larry June and The Alchemist Announce The Great Escape Album, Drops 89 Earthquake Video, Tekashi 6ix9ine Crashes Colorful Rolls Royce Phantom, J. Cole and Dreamville Announce Drake, Burna Boy, Usher, Summer Walker, and More for Dreamville Fest 2023, Kelis Reveals She and Her Kids Almost Fell Off a Cliff in California Snowstorm, Keke Palmer and Boyfriend Darius Jackson Reveal Baby Boy, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, Tory Lanez Sentencing Date Postponed to April. His brother, Southwest T, 51, was released to home confinement in May 2020 after being sentenced to serve 25 years in prison. The duo raked in over $270 million in profits over there 15-year stint, starting from the early 1990s and ending when the empire was brought to its knees in 2005. Detroit A federal judge Monday cut three years off the prison sentence of convicted Black Mafia Family cocaine kingpin Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory. Before his release, there was still some concern over where Terry would stay to serve his house arrest since his previous place of residence was in California. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Im not tripping, and i know you aint tripping so just holla at him.#starz #BMF coming soon, A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on May 6, 2020 at 9:50am PDT, This goofy ni99a still aint check in. The rap mogul is currently producing a new TV show about the Black Mafia Family. To date, those raids have resulted in over 150 indictments of BMF members or associates, effectively dismantling the drug empire. Terry Flenorywas released on home confinement last year as part of a broader effort by officials to stem the spread of COVID-19 that, according tofederal prison data,has killed at least 242 inmates and staff, and infected more than 51,000. Before the FBI dismantled the Black Mafia Family, the drug trafficking and money laundering organization was estimated to have made over $270 million. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Cowins, who traveled from her home in Atlanta to attend the hearing, said Meech used his drug money to give back to his family and the community. Strong show of support for Black Mafia Family's Flenory brothers. Under the federal prison system, there is no parole option. Together, the Flenory brothers ran BMF from the late 90s until their arrest in 2007, raking in an alleged $270 . 50 Cent called out Jeezy, Diddy, and Irv Gotti while reacting to the release of BMFs founder Big Meechs brother, Southwest-T, from prison. "We were raised in the church, so we prayed for everything. Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images Other TikTok slang terms explained. Investigators revealed that Terry ran operations from the Los Angeles hub meanwhile Demetrius handled things in Atlanta. so now his mom said f**k the backstage passes and free tickets to the concerts pick up the phone Ni**a., Big T said get Jeezy ass too,how you Screaming BMF Who helped you get a record deal. Follow him on Twitter: @_brandoc. @jeezy #starz #BMF coming soon, A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on May 6, 2020 at 6:53pm PDT. Lil Meech Of BMF Is Your Ladies New #MCM [PHOTOS]. The Atlanta hubalonedistributed2,500 kilos each month. During a home invasion in the DeKalb County area of Atlanta on May 10, 2005, hip-hop artist Gucci Mane shot and killed one of the intruders. Forgot Password. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. June 14th, 2022 mandarin high school basketball mandarin high school basketball Terry spoke in a quiet, steady voice. With the two Flenory brothers seated in front of him, U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn asked to hear from Terry first. He was previously denied a compassionate release last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hennessy Presents: Win Tickets to VIP Advanced Screening of 'Creed III', HUSTLE TOWN: Crawfish + Hip-Hop Festival - Saturday Feb 25. The bespectacled man, Lucille's son, was hardly recognizable as he made his way to the defense table. Lee Southwest T Flenory pleaded guilty to running a continuing criminal enterprise. "'I'm sorry' is what people say when they get caught.". Big Meechs prison sentence was reportedly reduced under the USSG amendments 782 and 788, which revised all drug offenses that occurred before November 2014. From the time he was locked up three years ago, Terry "Southwest T" Flenory lost close to 100 pounds. Born on June 21, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, Demetrius' journey into crime started on the streets of Detroit. Prominent individuals and celebrities such as 50 Cent andLL Cool Jhave called for Meech to be pardoned, but federal prison officials and attorneys have scoffed at such suggestions over the years. In June,AllHipHop reported Meech, 53, was granted a sentence reduction from U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson to have his 360-month sentence (30 years) shortened to 324 months (27 years). Demetrius and his brother, Lee "Southwest T" Flenory, 49, were dealing drugs back in high school. 50-year-old Terry Southwest-T Flenory, one of the main forces behind the Black Mafia Family, BMF, was released from prison, amidst health concerns brought about by COVID-19. "Big Meech" has drawn support from celebrities and rappers. Shuffling close behind him, in a matching orange jumpsuit, was Terry's older brother, Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory. Neither of my parents had any type of drug or drinking habits.". "In fact, it was disastrous.". Black Mafia Family will premiere on Starz and feature La La Anthony, Tyshon Freeman, Jasun Jabbar Wardlaw Jr., Michole Briana White and Detroit rapper Kash Doll as Monique. According to Deadline, Snoop Dogg will also have a recurring role on the show as Pastor Swift, the Flenory familys spiritual advisor. Meech's Atlanta-based lawyer, Drew Findling, told the judge that Meech had requested a meeting with Terry shortly after Meech entered a guilty plea. Flenory deserved a break because he earned his GED while incarcerated, underwent drug treatment and completed classes, his lawyerBrittany Barnett wrote in a court filing. At the time, Mane had been beefing with Young Jeezy, who had strong ties to BMF. When asked why he started selling drugs, the former crime boss explained: "My brother, sister, and I grew up in a household with both our parents. BMFpremiered worldwide on September 26 on the Starz channel. Jeezy hasn't been charged with a crime in relation to the feds' BMF investigation. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. #starz #BMF, A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on May 7, 2020 at 5:37am PDT, Southwest-Ts former defense lawyer, Steve Fishman, also helped to champion his release. Previous Death Of A . BMW Black Heritage Night Sweepstakes: Win VIP Tickets! At their peak, Demetrius (age 40) and Terry (age 38) Flenory are estimated to have controlled a cocaine empire worth $270 million.