Hillsborough sheriff's son sentenced to 22 months in state prison

TAMPA (FOX 13) - George Chronister, the son of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, was sentenced Wednesday to nearly two years in prison for his role in a 2017 brawl where he stabbed another man in the face.

“The first cut was centimeters from my eye," the victim, Phillip Manzi said. "The second cut punctured my lung. I was left bleeding in the parking lot."

Chronister, a self-proclaimed amateur rapper going by the name ZChronik, wrote about the incident in a song called “Slash Yo Face” which was played in court. He initially tried to invoke a stand your ground defense, but the judge denied that.

At his sentencing Wednesday, the victim told Chronister he was ready to put this all behind him.

"Guess what George? I’m still here. I’m still alive. When I walk out of here, no matter what slap on the wrist you get due to your daddy, I’ll be leaving this behind me with my head held high. You'll be locked away,” Manzi said.

Chronister offered an apology.

“It was not only stupid but very immature and I regret it deeply,” he said.

In the end, the judge ordered Chronister to spend 22 months in state prison followed by three years probation. He was also ordered to stay off of all social media. 

Chronister could’ve received a sentence up to 15 years.