Terry Lee Flenory, also known as Southwest T, is a former American drug lord, businessman, and co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a notorious criminal organization that operated in the United States from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s.
Along with his brother Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, Terry built a multimillion-dollar drug empire that spanned several states and involved thousands of kilograms of cocaine.
He also had ties to the hip-hop industry and lived a lavish lifestyle that attracted attention from the authorities and rivals.
In this article, we will explore the life and career of Terry Lee Flenory, his wife and kids, his arrest and imprisonment, and his current status.
Terry Lee Flenory’s Early Life and Family
Terry Lee Flenory was born on January 10, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan.
He was the younger brother of Demetrius Edward Flenory, who was born on June 21, 1968.
Their parents were Charles and Lucille Flenory, who raised them in a rough neighbourhood on the west side of Detroit.
Terry and Demetrius attended Southwestern High School, where they started selling $50 bags of cocaine on the streets in the late 1980s.
They formed a group called “50 Boyz” and soon expanded their network to other parts of the city.
Terry Lee Flenory’s Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Business
In 1985, Terry and Demetrius founded the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a drug trafficking and money laundering organization that aimed to dominate the cocaine market in the United States.
They moved their base to Atlanta, Georgia, where they established connections with Mexican drug cartels and Los Angeles-based suppliers.
They also set up distribution hubs in other states, such as:
- Alabama
- California
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Tennessee
By 2000, the BMF had over 500 members and was moving hundreds of kilograms of cocaine every month.
The BMF also laundered money through various legitimate businesses, such as:
- car dealerships,
- real estate companies
- nightclubs
- a hip-hop record label called BMF Entertainment.
The label promoted several artists, such as:
Together they hosted lavish parties and events that showcased the BMF’s wealth and influence.
Terry Lee Flenory’s Wife and Kids
Terry Lee Flenory was married to Tonesa Welch, who was known as the First Lady of BMF.
Tonesa was also involved in the BMF’s operations and was convicted of money laundering in 2006.
She served nearly five years in prison and later became an executive producer of a reality show called Notorious Queens.
Terry and Tonesa had no children together but had kids from previous relationships.
Terry had four kids: three sons and one daughter.
His oldest son is Terry Lee Flenory Jr., who is also a member of BMF and a co-producer of the Starz series BMF.
The other son is his stepson from his first marriage to Lawanda Roosevelt.
His daughter is Nicole Flenory, who is an actress and plays Laila Pruitt on the Starz series BMF.
Terry Lee Flenory’s Arrest and Imprisonment
In 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched a massive operation called Motor City Mafia to dismantle the BMF’s network.
The operation resulted in the arrest of over 100 members of the BMF, including Terry and Demetrius Flenory.
In 2007, the brothers pleaded guilty to running a continuing criminal enterprise involving drug trafficking and money laundering.
They were both sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Terry was initially incarcerated at Coleman Low Federal Correctional Institution in Florida but was later transferred to Oregon State Penitentiary.
Terry Lee Flenory’s Current Status
In May 2020, Terry was granted a compassionate release due to his health problems and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was placed in home confinement in Detroit for the remainder of his sentence.
Terry is currently 52 years old and active on Instagram as @southwest.
He has expressed remorse for his past actions and has shown support for his brother Demetrius, who is still serving his sentence at Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution in Oregon.
Conclusion
Terry Lee Flenory is a former drug kingpin who co-founded the Black Mafia Family with his brother Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory.
He rose to fame for his cocaine empire that spanned across several states and his lavish lifestyle that involved hip-hop celebrities and parties.
Terry was arrested in 2005 by the DEA and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his crimes.
He was released from home confinement in 2020 due to his health issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He is now living in Detroit and has four children, including a son who is a co-producer of the Starz series BMF.
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