The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN who disappeared for a significant portion of his trial concerning nearly $1 million in drugs was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison yesterday. Omar Chisholm, 34, along with co-defendant Valentino Johnson, 33, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethell to receive their sentences. The matter has been before Court 8 since October 2009, when they first faced four drug charges and one charge of stealing. They, along with two other defendants already convicted, were accused of conspiring to possess and import more than 900 pounds of marijuana. They were further accused of importing and being in possession of the large quantity of drugs from Jamaica along with theft of a $100,000 boat, though the latter charge was thrown out. These offenses occurred on April 11, 2009 in waters off Barre Tarre, Exuma. The accused men had denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. Before giving her ruling, the judge summarised the facts of the case and Johnson's statement to police. She said officers on patrol in Barre Tarre harbour saw two men offloading items before getting on a vessel and heading out to sea. Police pursued the vessel and saw four men aboard, Omar Chisholm being the driver. After numerous attempts to evade police, Chisholm jumped overboard, followed by Valentino Johnson. Officers caught the boat and found 16 sacks filled with marijuana. Johnson was pulled out of the water and arrested. According to Johnson's statement to police, Chisholm had approached him days before the incident to discuss making money in an operation, and said if Johnson was interested, he should meet him in Exuma. The accused said he did not know what the vessel contained but needed the money. He and Chisholm, who was deemed the organiser of the scheme, were convicted on the possession and conspiracy charges. Chisholm's attorney Jiaram Mangra asked the magistrate to be lenient to his client, who he said is a "very pleasant young man". He said the father of three operates a boat and jet ski business and has a supportive family that has been at court throughout the trial. Mr Mangra asked the judge to take into consideration that his client had no previous convictions and the length of time the matter had been before the courts. Johnson's attorney Calvin Seymour also noted that his client had no previous or pending matters before the courts - which he said is an accomplishment for any 33-year-old in this society - and noted that Johnson is a carpenter with a supportive family. Magistrate Bethell said she was very disappointed that Chisholm, despite being raised in a good home by teachers, turned to crime and caused his family to pay the $50,000 bail bond - which he then breached. She said all of the evidence suggested he was in control of the vessel. The judge accepted that Johnson was not the major player in the smuggling operation, but did not accept that he did not know the cargo was drugs. Chisholm was sentenced to four years in prison on each count, but the sentences are to run concurrently starting on January 17, the day that he was brought before the court after violating his bail conditions. Johnson was sentenced to serve two years, starting yesterday.