former death row inmate Aaron Patterson, who received a gubernatorial...

former death row inmate Aaron Patterson, who received a gubernatorial pardon in 2003, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison on gun and drug charges.
Soon after leaving prison, Patterson, 43, resumed his life as a gang "prince" intent on buying guns and defending his drug territory, a federal jury found in 2005.
In passing sentence, Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said Patterson returned to the gang life not for money, but because he "wanted to be influential and powerful in his community."
In addition, she said, "He apparently believes that he's in some kind of war and that's what he's gathering an arsenal for."
At his trial, prosecutors presented the jury with audio and video recordings of an informant -- admitted drug dealer and high-ranking Latin King Mario Maldonado -- who used government funds to buy marijuana and heroin from Patterson on several occasions from March to August in 2004.
Maldonado also testified that, under government supervision, he sold Patterson 4 handguns.
Assistant U.S. Atty. Christopher Niewoehner argued that Patterson re-entered the gang life thinking that he was "bulletproof" because any police action against him would be seen as revenge.
"This case had to be proved by overwhelming evidence, and it was," Niewoehner said.
If the conviction stands, Patterson would likely have to serve about 22 years, after time off for good behavior and time served.
Patterson's sentence was enhanced because he is considered a career offender under federal guidelines.
The crime for which Patterson was pardoned did not count against him in the calculation. But Patterson also committed three attempted murders as a teenager.