'Tiger King' Star Joe Exotic Resentenced To 21 Years In Prison Following Desperate Pleas For Early Release
Joe Exotic is staying behind bars!
The famed tv personality — real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage — was resentenced for his role in the shocking murder-for-hire plot against big cat rescue rival Carole Baskin after federal appeals court found he had previously been sentenced using the incorrect guidelines.
Maldonado-Passage was originally sentenced to 22 years in January 2020 after being found guilty of attempting to hire two different men to kill Baskin. It was later agreed the two counts should have been treated as only one, since they were both attributed to the same goal of murdering the big cat sanctuary owner.
The zoo owner's attorneys then argued for a more lenient punishment, alleging his original sentence was "outrageous" and "overzealous."
"From decisions made in the initial stages of the investigation to charging decisions to overzealous sentencing recommendations, one thing remains clear," Maldonado-Passage's legal team wrote in a statement. "This case was about doing whatever it took to put Mr. Maldonado-Passage behind bars for as long as possible."
- 'Tiger King' Star Joe Exotic's Resentencing Hearing To Take Place Later This Month
- Joe Exotic's 22-Year Prison Sentence Vacated, Court Rules Tiger King Be Resentenced For Plotting To Have Carole Baskin Killed: Reports
- Joe Exotic Reveals 'Aggressive Cancer' Is Back, Demands To Be Released From Prison To 'Enjoy What Life' He Has Left
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The former owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park — who has since been diagnosed with prostate cancer — had also been postponing his treatments until after his resentencing hearing.
As OK! previously reported, the embattled reality star took to Instagram on Wednesday, November 3, to pen a lengthy post begging his fans to "be his voice" and help him get released from prison so he could properly treat his cancer as his resentencing hearing loomed.
"Everyone, It is with a sad face that I have to tell you the doctors called me in today to break the news that my prostate biopsy came back with an aggressive cancer, I am still waiting on the results from other test as well," his post began. "Right now I don’t want anyone’s pity and I’m sure Carole Will have her own party over this!"
"What I need is the world to be my voice to be released, they have the proof I DID NOT DO THIS!" he argued passionately. "And there is no reason for the district attorney to drag this out. So I can go home and get treatment on my own or enjoy what life I have left with my loved ones! Say a prayer everyone & be my voice."