Sentencing was postponed today for an Arcata man arrested during a record-setting drug bust in September.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum said he prefers that Jose Lomeli Osuna be sentenced by retired Judge Christopher Wilson, who is expected to return as a visiting judge at some point. In December Wilson said he planned to sentence Lomeli Osuna to 14 years, with six years in custody and the rest on mandatory supervision.

Lomeli Osuna.

Then-District Attorney Maggie Fleming strongly objected, saying Lomeli Osuna, 69, deserved much more time behind bars.

Today Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris reiterated to Cockrum that the prosecution disagrees with Wilson’s plan.

Lomeli Osuna pleaded guilty in December to all charges and special allegations. He has two prior convictions for drug trafficking.

On Sept. 9 the Humboldt County Drug Task force served warrants at six different locations, seizing a total of 30 pounds of meth, 5.5 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of heroin, 2 pounds of Fentanyl, 150 marijuana plants, 50 pounds of processed marijuana, two revolvers and more than $100,000 in cash.

Under new California law, people convicted of selling, transporting or possessing drugs for sale cannot be sent to state prison. That means Lomeli Osuna would have to serve the time in Humboldt County Correctional Facility, which may not be feasible.

Cockrum, commenting on Wilson’s proposed sentence, said “it’s not impossible.”

But he also said he believes other sentences, including higher sentences, may be more appropriate.

Because it’s not known when Wilson might be back on the bench, no new sentencing date was scheduled. A status hearing was set for Jan. 24.

Lomeli Osuna is represented by Conflict Counsel Meagan O’Connell.

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