There is sufficient evidence to allow five men accused of cocaine trafficking to be extradited to the United States, Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens ruled Tuesday, though the defendants may still appeal.
Governor Boyd McCleary will make the final decision on whether to send the five defendants – Earl “Bob” Hodge, Roberto “Tico” Harrigan, Chad Skelton, Carlston Beazer and Juan Valdez – to a court in southern Florida for trial.
If surrendered to US authorities, the men likely will face trial along with Roberto Mendez-Hurtado, an alleged “drug lord,” and seven others accused of money laundering and drug-related charges.
Ms. Stephens also ruled that that there is sufficient evidence for Mr. McCleary to consider a separate extradition request from a North Carolina court to try Mr. Hodge on cocaine smuggling charges made in 2005.
In respect to all five defendants, Ms. Stephens said she is satisfied the extradition requests had gone through the proper diplomatic channels; that the defendants were the same men being sought by the US; and that the affidavits previously presented in court outlined a drug smuggling conspiracy.
Several of the affidavits involved sworn testimony from others who admitted participating in a drug smuggling organisation. Ms. Stephens acknowledged that there were “dangers” in relying on accomplice testimony, but she said she was satisfied that the evidence was sufficient to warrant the ruling.
See the March 15, 2012 edition for full coverage.