Man Extradited from Dominican Republic on Drug Mill Charges Gets Skadden But No Bail

Man Extradited from Dominican Republic on Drug Mill Charges Gets Skadden But No Bail by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack SDNY COURTHOUSE, May 12 –A defendant extradited to New York from the Dominican Republic on May 9 was presented in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrates Court on May 12. Inner City Press was the only media there, and live tweeted: All rise! AUSA: He was arrested in March by Dominican authorities and came into Federal custody on May 9. He had a called with the CJA from Skadden Arps and waived time.  Judge: What's his residence status? The report says entered in 2002 with no status  AUSA: He became a legal permanent resident in January 2025. Then he fled to DR Judge:  You are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Defense: We want to ask the Court to set a reasonable bail. He has strong ties to NY. He was an Uber driver  Defense: His brother could put him to work in his barber shop. He is a citizen of the DR, his passport remains there.  Could we revisit the bail application next week? Judge: Yes but typically when a person is brought here involuntarily, they're a flight risk Defense: He did not challenge extradition there. Judge: I'm not sure those offering to put up there homes understand what they could lose. Let's take time. Defense: Bring him back next Monday or Tuesday. I'll have the family here.  Judge: Before a different judge  Pre-Trial Services: Our recommendation is not going to change.  AUSA: It wasn't based on confirming with the family members. Judge: If convicted, he would be removed. So why not just flee now? It would be rational. [Defendant escorted to cell by US Marshals]   The case is USA v. Cenit-Then, 1:25-mj-2359 (Netburn)  *** Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron. Feedback: Editorial [at] innercitypress.com Mail: Box 130222, Chinatown Station, NY NY 10013 Other, earlier Inner City Press are listed here, and some are available in the ProQuest service, and now on Lexis-Nexis.  Copyright 2006-2026 Inner City Press, Inc. To request reprint or other permission, e-contact Editorial [at] innercitypress.com