Ingles Tecnico

Jamaica drug dealer sentenced to 23 years in prison

Christopher M. Coca-Cola, the drug kingpin of Jamaica, whose extradition the United States in 2010 followed a furious chase that led to the deaths of more than 70 people in Jamaica, was sentenced to 23 years in prison Friday by a federal judge in Manhattan.

Mr. Coke, 43, pleaded guilty in August to charges of racketeering conspiracy, admitting that he led a drug trafficking organization that included upwards of 200 soldiers, who distributed cocaine and other drugs in Jamaica and in New York.

"Coca-Cola assumed the role of judge, jury and sometimes executioner," wrote attorney's office in Manhattan federal Judge Robert P. Patterson Jr., in a memo this week.

Under the terms of his plea agreement with the government, Mr. Coke faces a maximum sentence of 23 years. The shortest recommended in federal sentencing guidelines advisory was only 14 months younger.

Nova’s Strong Outing Helps Yankees Vault Into First

ATLANTA — After an odd few weeks in the wilderness, when no one could get a clutch hit or pitch a dominant game, the Yankees finally got back to a place they always expected to be. With a 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night, the Yankees were back in first place in the American League East for the first time since April 24.

They took a meandering route, but after they fell into a tie for last place on May 21, when their record sagged to 21-21, the Yankees have won 14 of 18 games to catch the idle Tampa Bay Rays atop the division. At 35-25, the Yankees are a season-high 10 games over .500, tied with the Rays.

There are still 102 games remaining, and those may include slumps, injuries and distressing stretches of subpar baseball. But for now, a glance at the standings reflects the Yankee-centric view of the world, where they share the best record in the jumbled American League.

INSIDE PITCH

Closer Rafael Soriano developed a blister on his right index finger during Sunday’s game against the Mets and was not available Monday. Cory Wade and Boone Logan pitched a perfect ninth with Logan, the former Brave, recording the final two outs for his second save. Soriano said he did not feel the blister until after Sunday’s game, and did not use it as an excuse for his first blown save. He said he hoped to be ready Tuesday.