Ronald Weisel, the 60-year-old boat captain convicted on three cocaine-related charges last month, appeared in Magistrates’ Court for a sentencing hearing on Friday.
Representing himself, he asked the court for leniency in sentencing, saying that he has numerous medical problems and that he believes he will make better decisions in the future.
Mr. Weisel, a United States citizen, is accused of captaining a boat carrying 58.4 kilograms of cocaine near Salt Island on Dec. 31, 2008. He was convicted by Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens on April 19 of unlawful possession of cocaine, unlawful importation of cocaine and being concerned with the supply of cocaine.
After being convicted, Mr. Weisel submitted a list of character witnesses to the court, but Ms. Stephens said many of the witnesses declined to testify, saying they didn’t know Mr. Weisel or didn’t know him well enough to speak on his behalf.
See the May 12, 2011 edition for full coverage.