Poker professional Shawn Sheikhan, known for his World Series of Poker appearances, was sentenced to four years in federal prison Friday in the United States District Court, Southern District of California. Sheikhan pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, a federal crime. The veteran poker player faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine.
Prosecutors pushed for a 48-month sentence and the Honorable Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo agreed.
In addition to the prison sentence, Sheikhan voluntarily forfeited nearly $300,000 in cash, which consisted of casino chips from several poker rooms. No additional fines were imposed. He must surrender to the U.S. Marshal Service by noon on Jan. 1, 2024. Following his release, which is scheduled for 2028, Sheikhan will have three years of supervised release.
