Tony Majette, who was found guilty in a crack cocaine trial that drew in former Virgina Tech football star Branden Ore, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.
 
A jury convicted Majette in January of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute it, but public defender Larry Shelton urged U.S. District Judge James Turk to set aside the verdict. "Mr. Ore should have been the person sitting at that table," Shelton said, indicating the defendant's seat.
 
Ore was a passenger in a car where Blacksburg police found crack after a June 2006 traffic stop. Majette, who was driving, confessed to possessing the crack, prosecutors said, but Majette's defense insisted it could have been Ore's.
 
Ore was put on the stand during the trial and denied knowing anything about the crack. An outstanding tailback who'd had several run-ins with coaches, Ore was removed from the team after Majette's trial.
 
Today, Turk rejected the defense motion for a new trial but said Majette should appeal.
 
"I sort of have a feeling that maybe someone else was involved," the judge said. "I have a strong feeling about that. I want the case appealed."
 
Later, Turk added, "That bothers me as to whether or not he's guilty."
 
The 10-year sentence was the minimum suggested by federal guidelines, which were influenced by Majette's prior criminal record.
 
The case finished with Turk approaching the defendant, as he usually does after a hearing, and shaking his hand.
 
"Good luck to you, and once you get out, stay out of trouble," Turk said.
 
"Yes, sir," Majette replied.
 
Shelton told Turk he would handle Majette's appeal.