Drug Smuggler Sentenced To 8 Years, May Testify At Trial Of Former Official
Associated Press , September 25, 1987, Sun Sentinel

MIAMI -- A drug smuggler expected to testify in the bribery trial of Florida's former state natural resources chief was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison and fined $35,000.

Dennis McGuire, 37, of Miami, had pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and tax fraud in what prosecutors called a giant marijuana smuggling ring. A total of 14 people were indicted last year. Six of them are fugitives, including former Indy 500 race car driver Randy Lanier.

U.S. District Judge Edward Davis allowed McGuire out on bond for 60 days so he could testify against Elton Gissendanner, who resigned after eight years as head of the state Department of Natural Resources when he was indicted June 22.

Another defendent, Patrick Bilton, 27, of Fort Lauderdale, is also scheduled to testify.

Gissendanner, 59, is charged with extortion, conspiracy, making false statements to the grand jury and making false statements on his 1983 federal income tax return. If convicted, he faces up to 48 years in prison and $130,000 in fines.

His trial is tentatively scheduled here Nov. 2 before U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Aronovitz.

According to the indictment, McGuire schemed with Gissendanner to extort $80,000 from Bilton, who was arrested on marijuana charges five years ago by the Florida Marine Patrol. The money was delivered to Gissendanner in a paper bag.

Gissendanner helped McGuire, a convicted felon, win executive clemenency in late 1984 from then-Gov. Bob Graham and the state Cabinet.

Bilton, who was portrayed by Gissendanner as a helpful informant, later received a suspended sentence.

Bilton was sentenced last week to 17 years in prison and fined $35,000 after pleading guilty to racketeering and marijuana importation charges.