A Bahamian vessel captain facing allegations of smuggling nearly $4 million in cocaine into the United States has been granted an extension to decide whether to accept a plea deal or proceed to a public trial, court documents confirm. Malcolm Goodman, who has professional ties to former Bahamas National Security Minister Marvin Dames, was arrested by U.S. law enforcement in Florida on February 11, and entered an initial not guilty plea last month to two federal charges: possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and illegal importation of narcotics.
Goodman’s legal representation, lead defense attorney Jay White, recently filed a formal motion with the court requesting additional time to hold plea negotiation talks with federal prosecutors. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian approved the motion, setting May 4 as the new deadline for Goodman to formally change his plea. The judge also rescheduled the original two-week jury trial, initially set to begin April 15, to May 18, pending the outcome of the plea discussions.
In her ruling, Judge Damian concluded that the public interest in pursuing a fair justice process through the continuance outweighed the general priority of a speedy trial. According to court affidavits filed by U.S. authorities, acting agents discovered approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine stashed on Goodman’s 45-foot vessel, the M/V Reel Xperience, during the stop that led to his arrest. Law enforcement officials stated the illicit narcotics were left “in plain view” on the boat, and that Goodman allegedly acknowledged he was aware of the drugs’ presence on the vessel.
Goodman, an experienced boat captain based out of Eleuthera, Bahamas, confirmed his business partnership with the former cabinet minister. Following the arrest, Dames released a public statement acknowledging that he and his wife entered into a formal business arrangement with Goodman in early 2024. The former minister strongly denied any connection to the alleged smuggling operation, asserting that neither he nor his spouse had any prior knowledge of, involvement in, or financial benefit from any illegal activity tied to the case. Dames also emphasized that he never authorized, participated in, or approved any criminal conduct connected to the vessel or business partnership.