Drug dealer, aide to 'Ace' Capone, gets 30 years

A drug dealer who was described by federal prosecutors as the "right-hand man" of drug kingpin Alton "Ace Capone" Coles, was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in a federal lockup.

Timothy Baukman, 34, had been facing a mandatory life sentence under advisory sentencing guidelines, but U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick said such a sentence was unnecessary to sufficiently punish Baukman and promote respect for the law.

Unlike many drug dealers, Baukman had only one prior conviction, for retail theft in Delaware County, for which he paid a $300 fine.

Defense attorney Jack McMahon argued that Baukman was "not a principal" in the conspiracy and that a life sentence would amount to "sheer cruelty." (Coles was sentenced to life plus 55 years in federal prison in April 2009.)

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Bresnick argued that Baukman was a "partner" of Coles who helped make the operation run.

Baukman himself was unrepentant, accusing prosecutors of misconduct and vowing that he would be vindicated on appeal.

A jury convicted Baukman in March 2008 of drug conspiracy, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and related offenses.

Prosecutors said the $25 million operation put more than 1,200 grams of cocaine and 600 grams of crack on the streets of Philadelphia from 1998 to 2005.

Baukman also maintained a cocaine production and storage facility for Coles. When federal agents searched it in August 2005, they found a 12-ton hydraulic press, 459 grams of cocaine and 10 firearms.

When agents searched Baukman's home, they found $25,000 in cash even though he had no gainful employment, court papers said.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Baukman was a partner with Coles in a record company, Take Down Records. The feds said the record company was a front used to launder drug proceeds.

The jury also saw a film produced by Coles and Baukman that was conceived as a sequel to the 1991 movie "New Jack City."

The movie depicted the rise of a drug gang: Coles was portrayed as the leader, "Ace Capone," and Baukman as his top lieutenant, "Tim Gotti."