Ex-Haitian drug lord could get sentence cut

[February 21, 2012]  MIAMI (AP) -- A once-powerful Haitian drug lord could get his prison sentence sharply reduced because of his assistance to prosecutors in other cases.

A hearing was set for Tuesday in Miami federal court for 48-year-old Beaudoin "Jacques" Ketant. Prosecutors are recommending his 27-year sentence be cut because of his help in convicting numerous Haitian politicians, law enforcement officials and drug traffickers.

The final decision rests with Chief U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno.

Authorities say Ketant helped move 41 tons of cocaine through Haiti to the U.S. from 1987 to 1996. He once lived in a lavish hilltop mansion overlooking Port-au-Prince and sent his son to a fancy private school.

At his 2004 sentencing, Ketant claimed former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide turned Haiti into a "narco-country." Aristide's U.S.-based attorneys have denied that claim.

[Associated Press; By CURT ANDERSON]

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