In a case that made the front page of the Navy Times and was reported on by the Wall Street Journal, our client was targeted as a distribution of controlled substance high-level importer and trafficker of LSD, Ecstasy and other psychedelics into Japan. The government believed that our client, after importing the narcotics into Japan, smuggled them onto the Navy base and then onto the USS Ronald Regan.
In this wide-reaching investigation, over 14 Sailors were prosecuted, many of them turning into informants against our client. He was charged at a General Court Martial with one specification of conspiracy in violation of Article 81, UCMJ. Two specifications of distributing schedule I / II / III controlled substances in violation of Article 112a, UCMJ. Introduction of schedule I / II / III controlled substances with the distribution of controlled substance intent to distribute in violation of Article 112a, UCMJ. Two specification of possession of schedule I / II / III controlled substances with intent to distribute. The charges were significant and the maximum sentence he faced was up to 75 years in prison.
Attorney Tim Bilecki was retained and assembled an extensive defense team. This including a defense investigator and expert consultants. Our office strenuously battled the Navy in litigation lasting over one year and involving frequent travel to both Japan and the United States. Days before the case was set to be tried before members, Bilecki was able to finalize a negotiated plea agreement that was the work of several months.
Under this plea agreement, the government agreed to withdraw and dismiss the conspiracy charge, the distribution charges and the possession with intent to distribute charges in exchange for a plea of guilty to the remaining charges. At the sentencing hearing, Attorney Bilecki put on an extensive case in extenuation and mitigation, including expert testimony regarding the Sailor’s mental health issues. While the Sailor was initially facing 75 years in prison, the Military Judge Sentenced him to only ten months confinement and a Bad Conduct Discharge.
Defending Service Members Globally
Wherever Duty Calls, Our Defense Follows
