Cocaine boat crewman appeals sentence

A Colombian man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison this week has appealed his sentence for working as a crew member aboard a boat carrying about two tons of cocaine.

Victor Manuel Lemos Vasquez, 37, of Calle-Primera, was sentenced to 135 months in prison Monday on charges of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Lemos Vasquez could have been sentenced to a term between 135 months and 168 months under the advisory federal sentencing guidelines, but prosecuting and defense lawyers argued he should receive less time.

Lemos Vasquez appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears reviews of cases from federal district courts.

Lemos Vasquez's defense attorney, David Joffe, argued for a less severe sentence because Lemos Vasquez had no prior criminal record, and played a minor role in the drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge John E. Steele said the 135-month term was appropriate for someone caught onboard with 3,500 pounds of cocaine.

Lemos Vasquez and three others were captured on Dec. 5, 2005, and indicted after U.S. Coast Guard members found the drugs hidden on a ship in international waters. He is one of four Colombian men accused of working aboard a wooden fishing boat called the "Kanito," when the Coast Guard boat pulled it over off the coast of Costa Rica.