The attorney representing former Premier of the Virgin Islands Andrew Fahie, Theresa Van Vliet admonished a Miami court to enforce the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for his involvement in a drug and money laundering scheme.
The motion by Fahie’s attorney for a lesser sentence is said to be based on what they describe as his “limited understanding and minor role in the overall scheme.”
Despite the seriousness of all the charges, Fahie’s attorneys are arguing that his “life’s work and contribution to society, particularly in education and community service” in the BVI, should be considered despite him opening up the Territory for which he lead at the time to the trafficking of narcotics.
Fahie was convicted in February and was found guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to import cocaine and engage in money laundering activities.
Evidence presented during the trail portrayed Fahie as willingly and actively partaking in the schemes to use his political position, agreeing to allow the narcotics through the BVI in exchange for substantial sums of money. The arrangement was part of a sting operation involving Fahie, former BVI Ports Director Oleanvine Maynard, and her son, Kadeem Maynard, conspiring with an undercover DEA agent.
Fahie’s sentencing is now set for August 2024, after several postponements.
More to come as the story continues to develop.