(Jamaica Observer) NEW YORK, USA — The sentencing of Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the former Tivoli Gardens strongman, has been postponed until January 17, officials close to the case told the Observer.
Coke’s sentencing had originally been scheduled for this Thursday, following a plea bargain which was reached between his attorneys and prosecutors in August.
He faces more than 20 years in prison under the agreement, and while no reason has been given by the Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, which is handling the case, there is heightened speculation within the Jamaican community here that the postponement is linked to the possibility of more indictments arising from the case for which Coke was convicted.
Coke has been incarcerated for more than a year after waiving extradition rights on drugs and gunrunning charges. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges during an August 31 court appearance after prosecutors presented his legal team with compelling evidence in the case.
The evidence included the planned testimony of several persons from Tivoli Gardens who are incarcerated here on various charges.
Since reaching the plea agreement, Coke has written to Judge Robert P Patterson seeking leniency in his sentence.
