Ronald Weisel, accused of captaining a boat carrying 56 kilograms of cocaine off Salt Island on Dec. 31 , 2008, appeared in Magistrates’ Court Friday, where he formally closed his case and offered an at-times rambling statement to Magistrate Valerie Stephens in his own defence.
Mr. Weisel, a United States citizen residing in the US Virgin Islands at the time of his arrest, has been charged with unlawful possession of cocaine, unlawful importation of cocaine and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Court rules prohibited Crown Counsel Christilyn Benjamin from responding to Mr. Weisel’s statements.
“Once the defendant is unrepresented, we cannot respond,” she explained. Ms. Benjamin declined to comment on the merits of his arguments.
Ms. Stephens is expected to issue a verdict in the case on April 4, Ms. Benjamin said.
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