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He also guest stars on That '70s Show as old hippie Leo.
In 2003, Chong was one of those targeted by two nationwide investigations code-named Operation Pipe Dreams and Operation Headhunter , which sought out businesses selling drug paraphernalia, mostly marijuana pipes. He was charged for his part in financing and promoting Chong Glass/Nice Dreams, a company started by his son Paris. Chong agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia in exchange for non-prosecution of his wife, Shelby, and his son. While most of the approximately 55 individuals charged as a result of the operations were sentenced to fines and home detentions, Chong was sentenced to 9 months in a federal prison, forfeiture of $103,000, and a year of probation. While John Ashcroft's DOJ denied that Chong was treated any differently from the other defendants, many felt that he was made an example of by the government. Soon afterwards, marijuana advocates started the "Free Tommy Chong!" movement that calls for his release. Chong was freed on July 7, 2004.
Chong is the son of Stanley Chong, a Chinese, and Lorna Jean Chong, a Scottish-Irish. He is the father of actress Rae Dawn Chong .
Chong, Tommy Chong, Tommy Chong, Tommy