Bladen 12 Drug Plane Trial Resumes Amid Prosecutorial Delays

After breaking at the end of September, the trial of the Bladen 12, the men accused of landing a drug plane back in 2021, resumed in the Magistrate’s Court today. The trial began on February 5 last year and quickly moved into a voir dire phase, where it remained until now. Today, prosecutor Derrick Staine requested an adjournment, explaining that the lead prosecutor in the case, Alifa Elrington, is ill and will not be returning to court for the rest of the week. Attorney Lynden Jones, representing several of the accused, also informed the court in writing that he is unwell and will be out until Thursday. Attorney Leroy Banner objected to the adjournment request, pointing out that the trial dates had been set since September last year. Banner contended that the state could still proceed with the case in Elrington’s absence. Senior Magistrate Baja Shoman sided with the defense, explaining that she had delayed her ruling on the voir dire last year to allow both the defense and prosecution time to submit written arguments. Shoman added that despite providing ample time and granting an extension, the prosecution had failed to file its submissions. She described the prosecution’s non-compliance as “disrespectful” and “unacceptable.” The Senior Magistrate stated that the trial would proceed as scheduled.  For today, however, she was able to provide a partial summation of her ruling which will continue tomorrow at 9am.