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Court lowers sentence for Japanese in drug case
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Posted on Jul 19 2000
A Japanese national imprisoned for a drug conviction two years ago was re-sentenced yesterday to 10 years and 11 months in jail, down by 20 months from the initial judgment handed down by the U.S. District Court here.
But Judge Alex R. Munson denied Yoshiro Takahashi’s appeal for a much shorter jail term, saying that the punishment is proper because of the amount of drugs involved in the case.
Mr. Takahashi, along with two others, was found guilty by a jury in January 1998 on charges of conspiracy and possession of 97 grams of crystal methamphetamine or “ice” with intent to distribute, which was seized in his hotel room by joint federal and local anti-drugs force.
In April that year, he was sent to 12 years and seven months in jail, but he appealed the sentence before the U.S. Ninth Circuit, prompting the federal court to re-hear his case, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Seely, lead prosecutor.
Defense attorney Stephen Nutting argued at yesterday’s hearing that his client should be given credits for good behavior while serving time at a federal correction in the U.S. mainland. He said jail term of eight years would be enough punishment.
Mr. Takahashi also read a written statement in the court, taking responsibility for his past mistakes and trying to reform his life through drug rehabilitation program and church activities in prison.
“I found myself, reborn, ready to build a new life,” he told Judge Munson as his family, his wife and daughter, listened in the courtroom.
