A US federal judge has rescheduled the sentencing of self proclaimed from February to March in a New York Court.
“It is hereby ordered that the sentencing of the above named defendant shall be rescheduled to Friday, March 15, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. In light of this adjournment, the Probation Department is directed to change the pre-sentence investigation and report dates accordingly,” reads a January 11th court order from Judge Victor Marrero.
Judge Victor Marrero acceded last week to a request by defence attorneys for postponement of sentencing on the grounds that they needed more time to develop information on potentially mitigating factors.
Baktash Akasha’s attorney George Goltzer told the court in a letter that his client “has an extensive family that includes multiple wives, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and his mother, for which he has provided support throughout his life.”
Mr Goltzer further noted that because Baktash is a Kenya national, “additional efforts will be needed to obtain documents and information” germane to sentencing considerations.
As part of US court procedures, defendants who have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of federal offences are interviewed by a government probation officer to gather information concerning the individuals’ family history, education background, history of substance abuse and financial status, as well as their physical, mental and emotional health.
Judge Marrero has the authority to impose whatever sentence he deems fit for each of the brothers. The terms agreed to in the October plea deal have an advisory status that the judge may well decide to accept.