Andrew Arturo Fahie, the former Premier of the British Virgin Islands, has formally objected to his presentence investigation report and requested a reduced sentence ahead of his August 5 sentencing. This follows his February conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering.

Fahie, arrested in April 2022 during an elaborate DEA sting operation, faces significant prison time after a jury found him guilty on four out of five counts of a superseding indictment. The charges include conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, attempted money laundering, and foreign travel in aid of racketeering.

In his objections, Fahie challenges several aspects of the presentence report, particularly the characterisation of the offense and his alleged role. He argues that the operation was a law enforcement sting involving purported drug dealers using the port at Tortola in the BVI as a temporary storage facility. Fahie maintains that there were no laboratory tests proving the presence of cocaine and that the substances involved would not test positive for cocaine until they reached Puerto Rico, thus disputing the importation charges.

Additionally, Fahie contests the inclusion of Lebanese Hezbollah operatives in the report, noting the government’s lack of evidence connecting him to these individuals, a point he claims is highly prejudicial. He also disputes his involvement in a “side deal” between his co-defendants and a confidential source, which the government acknowledged at trial.

Fahie argues for a mitigating role adjustment, highlighting his lesser involvement compared to his co-defendants, Oleanvine and Kadeem Maynard, who he claims played more substantial roles in the scheme. Notably, Kadeem Maynard received a two-level reduction for a minor role and was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, a factor Fahie emphasises in seeking a similar reduction.

Despite these arguments, Fahie’s legal team acknowledges that even with a mitigating role adjustment, the advisory guideline range might be higher due to the money laundering guidelines. Nonetheless, they argue for a sentence at the statutory minimum of 120 months, citing his previously unblemished record, his contributions to his community, and the non-violent nature of the offense.

Fahie, who has been in custody since his conviction, asserts that a 120-month sentence would be sufficient to reflect the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for the law, and provide just punishment without being greater than necessary. He emphasizes the need for individualized sentencing, considering his background, character, and the unique circumstances of the case.

As sentencing approaches, the court will weigh these objections and the motion for a downward variance against the guidelines and the statutory requirements, with the potential to set a precedent in how similar cases are adjudicated in the future.