After both pleading guilty to conspiring to import cocaine and agreeing to assist authorities in the ongoing drug trafficking case involving former Premier Andrew Fahie, Oleanvine Maynard and her son Kadeem Maynard are set to be sentenced on August 21, 2023.
According to a recent court document, for the offence, the customary mandatory minimum term of imprisonment is approximately 10 years, with a statutory maximum of life in prison.
Should the court deem it necessary, the Maynards could also be slapped with up to a $10 million fine.
In addition to the time served in prison, a minimum 5-year supervised release will be imposed.
However, following the recent passing of new sentencing guidelines for non-violent crimes which comes into effect on November 1, 2023, Kadeem’s attorney J. Rafael Rodriguez, is hopeful of taking advantage of the new policy, in getting a reduced sentence for his client.
According to a recent publication, Rodriguez requested that the court grant a variance and apply the lesser stringent guidelines to Kadeem ahead of the November 1 date, arguing that his client played a minor role in the major drug sting.
“The guidelines calculation overstates the gravity of the offence given the defendant’s role in the offence and the defendant’s post-arrest conduct demonstrating profound remorse and his active and effective cooperation with the authorities,” stated Rodriguez to the court.
It is unclear at this time whether Oleanvine’s attorney will also argue in favour of her being sentenced in accordance with the soon-to-be-implemented guidelines.
While the Maynards are likely to know their fate this month, former Premier Andrew Fahie who recently celebrated his 53rd birthday on Monday, will have several months to prepare for his trial which is set to commence on January 8, 2024.
Fahie’s trial was set for July 17, 2023, after two previous postponements, but further concerns from his defence attorney found it necessary to request for a further delay of his trial.
His attorney Theresa Van Vliet argued that the United States government’s refusal to provide requested information on the confidential source ahead of the trial, along with the change in pleas by Kadeem and Oleanvine, would have put her client at a disadvantage had the trial proceeded with the July 17 date.
Fahie will remain on house arrest in Florida until his trial in January.