NORWICH – A re-trial of the man dubbed Norwich’s ‘drug kingpin’ is set to be put off even further, pending an expected response from the Court of Appeals.

Michael Victor Jr., who was convicted of 10 separate drugs, weapons, and conspiracy charges in September, 2011, and subsequently sentenced to 39 years in state prison, made his first appearance back in a Chenango County Courtroom since his conviction was overturned, on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Donned in the bright orange garb of the Chenango County Correctional Facility, Victor appeared with new defense counsel Christopher Grace. Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride represented the people in the matter.

Judge James E. Downey, who presided over the case, conveyed that there was two separate issues to discuss during the conference; one being the status of the prosecution's appeal on the overturning of Victor's original conviction, which was sent to the court of appeals on June 30; the other being that defense counsel wishes to have $1,800 allocated in order to hire a private investigator.

“Our application has been filed and received by the court of appeals,” said McBride. “Usually within 30 to 60 days they will tell us if it's accepted or rejected.”