MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – The trial of Sheena Headley, who was arrested in June 2022 after $85 million worth of cocaine was allegedly found at her home, has been postponed until April 12. The delay comes as her lawyer was absent from the St. James Parish Court yesterday.
Headley faces charges of possession, dealing, and attempting to export 25 pounds of cocaine. Her bail has been extended following her recent appearance before presiding parish judge Sasha-Marie Ashley.
During the court session, it was revealed that Headley’s attorney, Peter Champagnie, was unable to attend due to a priority case in the Supreme Court. The court was also informed that another lawyer was expected to represent Headley, although it is unknown who that replacement attorney is.
As a result of Champagnie’s absence, Judge Ashley allowed Headley to leave the courtroom temporarily to contact her lawyer’s office and confirm a potential return date, as no suggested dates for continuation had been submitted. When Headley returned, it was decided that April 12 would be a convenient date for Champagnie to be present, leading to the extension of her bail until that time.
The case dates back to June 15, 2022, when a team of officers from the Area One Narcotics Police Division conducted a search at Headley’s residence in Goodwill, St. James. During the operation, 10 packages of cocaine weighing about 25 pounds were allegedly discovered in the trunk of a Toyota Prado SUV owned by Headley.
Headley was subsequently arrested and charged with violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act after an interview conducted in the presence of her lawyer. In addition to the drug charges, approximately 90 exotic birds and other wildlife were found on the premises, contravening the Wildlife Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Headley’s husband, Chad Headley, pleaded guilty to two offenses under each act and was fined $50,000 on October 11, 2022. Sheena Headley was also initially charged in relation to the exotic birds, but those charges were later dropped. Likewise, Chad Headley faced charges regarding the alleged cocaine seizure, but he was subsequently acquitted.
The case against Sheena Headley will resume on April 12, when her lawyer is expected to be present. The postponed trial highlights the seriousness of the charges she faces and the legal complexities surrounding the case.