| The Virginian-Pilot May 16--WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Disgraced Olympic gold medalist Tim Montgomery was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for his role in a $5 million counterfeiting check ring that also ensnared his former coach, his one-time agent and his former girlfriend, the fallen Olympic champion Marion Jones. SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS Montgomery, 33, who most recently was living in Virginia Beach, could face double or triple the prison time if he is convicted of unrelated heroin distribution charges, filed against him three weeks ago in Norfolk's federal court. On Friday, the former Norfolk State University sprinter pleaded for leniency and mercy with U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas at the federal courthouse in Westchester County, just north of New York City. The New York-based check-kiting ring cashed or attempted to cash $5 million in counterfeit checks, according to an indictment filed two years ago. Montgomery admitted taking part in negotiating about $1.7 million in phony checks along with his one-time Norfolk State coach Steve Riddick, who was also convicted. Jones, his former girlfriend and mother to his child, is currently serving a six-month prison term for her minor role in the ring. In a letter to Judge Karas seeking leniency, Montgomery's attorney wrote that Montgomery was encouraged to participate in the scheme by Riddick and Jones and his agent, Charles Wells, who was also convicted in the case, "all of whom had a powerful influence on Mr. Montgomery." Montgomery faces trial in July on the heroin charges in Norfolk. Montgomery and Jones have been linked to the steroids scandal that has gripped professional sports. Jones admitted using steroids and has been stripped of her Olympic medals and world records. Montgomery never tested positive for steroids but agreed to a three-year suspension from track and field and later retired from the sport. Montgomery won a gold medal in the 400 relay at the 2000 Olympics and a silver medal in the 400 relay at the 1996 Olympics. He also held a world record in the 100-meter dash, set in 2002, but that record was stricken.
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