Michigan Federal Judge not thrilled to see the Hannahville Cocaine Cousins back in court – again – for delivery of cocaine on an Indian Reservation – with kids present
(Marquette, MI) – The Cocaine Cousins of Hannahville will spend more than a year in prison as a reminder to stop arriving in federal court in Marquette – like they have on previous coke delivery charges.
The pair were contrite and apologetic in court while promising a federal judge they will take life seriously in the future – and get out of the cocaine business.
But a short time later they were laughing and joking to reporters as they left federal court in shackles and handcuffs – and led by U.S Marshals to an awaiting vehicle for transfer back to jail – then prison.
“Yooow whoo whooo, we’re on TV, crowed one of the cousins – and both were laighing with big grins.
Once again, both of the Cocaine Cousins admitted their part in federal charges of delivery of cocaine – and one was even arrested in a halfway house while serving the finals days of his previous federal cocaine delivery conviction.
30-year-old Lucas Sagataw, who is married with three children, admitted delivering cocaine – officially one federal felony count of delivery of cocaine. Lucas has two other federal convictions
“It was very foolish of me. I knew it was wrong and illegal,” Lucas Sagataw said during sentencing before Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar, U.S. District Judge for the Wstern District of Michigan.
“I was lazy and going for a quick dollar. I have no excuse for my actions,” Lucas Sagataw admitted.
But his contrition apparently been heard before in the same court room – both times for delivery of cocaine.
The Judge keenly remembered both of the Cocaine Cousins from previous sentencing in the same courtroom on the same conviction – delivery of cocaine
“Mr. Sagataw what are you doing back here,” said Judge Edgar.
Both of the Cocaine Cousins had previously been in the same court room on the same charge.
“I will not let you down,” Lucas Sagataw promised the judge even though the Hannahville resident has been in trouble with the law since age 14 – much of it falling on the laps of tribal police.
“You (already) have let me down,” Judge Edgar said, and then he let the hammer down.
Lucas Sagataw was sentenced to nearly two years (21 months) in federal prison and ordered to undergo drug rehabilitation.
In an effort to help keep Lucas on the correct and law abiding path, the judge added an after prison incentive.
Once Lucas Sagataw is released from prison he must do 20 hours of community service per week until (legally) employed.
The other half of the Cocaine Cousins, 31-year-old Alexander Sagataw, admitted to delivery of 1.7 grams of cocaine – known on the street as an “eighth of cocaine.”
Alexander Sagataw, who is married, was arrested on the latest delivery of cocaine charge while finishing his previous sentence in a halfway house.
Alexander Sagataw apologized to the court, family and others who were adversely effected by his crimes.
Federal prosecutor Hannah Bobee reminded the judge of Alexander Sagataw’s criminal record and noted that children were present when the cocaine deals went down.
Western District of Michigan Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee is native American and ban enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
As a rule, non-reservation felonies end up in state courts – while felonies committed on an Indian Reservation are prosecuted in federal court – and respective tribal court handle misdemeanors committed by Native Americans on a Rez.
Judge Edgar said prison terms for the Hannahville Cocaine Cousins are a necessary wake up call and deterrence for the pair – and anyone else involved in drugs at Hannahville.
Judge Edgar sentenced Alexander Sagataw to 16 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.
To be fair about these laughing, cawing, smiling jokers – as they seem affable.
They were not thrilled I was taping and photographing them.
So the reason for their glee:
They were looking at a 20-something young reporter from a local TV station. I know this reporter and she is smart with a lot of potential – and yes young and cute.
So these boys (see video) apparently were enjoying the professional attention from this reporter – whose station decided not to do stories that night even though the reporter sat thru nearly three hours of sentencings involving six cases in federal court.
The laughing Cocaine Cousins were among those prisoners being led back to jail after sentencing inside federal court – and escorted by our fine U.S. Marshals in Marquette.
Related links:
Federal Judge R. Allan Edgar
U.S. District Court Judge R. Allan Edgar
U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
http://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/content/judge-r-allan-edgar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Allan_Edgar
http://www.fjc.gov/servlet/nGetInfo?jid=686&cid=999&ctype=na&instate=na
http://www.judicialwatch.org/document-archive/allan-r-edgar-financial-disclosure-report-for-2003
http://www.hamiltoncountyherald.com/Story.aspx?id=1210&date=4%2F16%2F2010
Federal Prosecutors:
Asst. U.S. Attorney Hannah Bobee
She is Native American and and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
http://www.rosettelaw.com/attorney-bio-bobee.html
http://www.justice.gov/dea/divisions/det/2013/det061913.shtml
http://www.leadershipdirectories.com/profiles/Hannah-Bobee-Assistant-US-Attorney-Marquette-%28MI%29-Office-.htm
Asst. U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat
http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/news/2012/2012_0525_VProtasoff.html
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/07/12/attorney-actor-john-stamos-fling-year-old-student
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 