Christopher "Dudus" Coke pleaded not guilty to narcotics and gun trafficking charges at his first New York court appearance on Friday, having waived his right to a trial in Jamaica.
Coke, who was remanded in custody by U.S. District Judge Robert Patterson, wore a blue prison smock and appeared calm. A lawyer who said he will represent Coke said he expects him to seek bail. U.S. prosecutors want to keep him in jail.
Lawyer Frank Doddato told reporters Coke's defense team would fight the charges and not even concede "the time of day" to the prosecution.Coke faces life in prison if convicted.