News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 17, 2011: A New York federal judge is set to hear from both sides today in the case of accused Jamaican drug lord, Christopher Michael “Dudus” Coke.
Judge Robert P. Patterson yesterday scheduled a conference with both the defense and prosecution after one of Coke’s attorney Stephen H. Rosen of Coral Gables, Florida, filed a motion on June 15th to suppress wiretap evidence gathered in Jamaica against the Tivoli strongman.
The conference is set for 2 p.m. today and could also see the scheduling of a trial for Coke.
Defense counsel Rosen on Wednesday filed a “Motion to Exclude All Wiretap Evidence From Use at Trial.” Judge Patterson ruled that motion is not supported by a copy of affidavits of experts as to Jamaican law, the affidavit of the Attorney General of Jamaica, the Report of the Commission of Enquiry into the Extradition Request [of the Government of the United States] for Coke, or the 2007 wiretap application to the Jamaican Court, all of which are relied on in the motion.
The defense has been ordered to supply copies of the documents to the Court by today, June 17, 2011. The federal prosecution has been ordered to supply a copy of the two secret memorandums of understanding between the executive branch of the Government of the United States and the Government of Jamaica dated April 27, 2004, provided to defense counsel on May 31, 2011, and referred to in the motion.
The move comes as the Jamaican don is slated to return to court on July 8th for a hearing. A date for the start of his trial could be set next month.
Coke was captured last June 22 and quickly sent to New York where he remains jailed awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he trafficked drugs to the U.S. and funneled profits and guns back to Jamaica.
