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'Bob' & 'Tico' Extradition decision postponed until September 2017

The Extradition decision for Earl ‘Bob’ Hodge (right) and Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan (2nd from left) has been postponed until September 2017. VINO/File
Governor John S. Duncan OBE has taken a keen interest in this extradition decision and is seen present at the court hearings. Photo: VINO/File
Governor John S. Duncan OBE has taken a keen interest in this extradition decision and is seen present at the court hearings. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - All ears were glued to radio and online news to hear the decision of the extradition hearing for Earl D. Hodge, aka 'Bob' and ex Customs Officer, Roberto Harrigan aka 'Tico'.

The hearing began in secret away from their families and the media, on June 6, 2017 before a St. Lucian Magistrate, Shawn Innocent who was brought in just for this case,.

Both men who are being represented by Attorneys Stephen R. Daniels and Patrick Thompson were arrested by local Police on February 7,  2017 after the United States of America  Government issued a fresh extradition order for the men, in connection with an alleged drug ring.

According to a family member close to the case, the decision was expected by July 25, 2017, however,  it has been postponed until sometime in September 2017 although the day in September is unclear.

The men are currently on bail with strict curfew conditions according to court documents. Following a special sitting on February 14, 2017, Hodge was offered bail in the sum of $1M, while Harrigan was offered bail in the sum of $600,000. Each was ordered to pay $200,000 cash upfront as a part of their bail condition, along with two sureties available to sign.

The court further ordered that the men are to adhere to a strict curfew of 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M., in addition to signing in at the Road Town Police Station every day.

However, if Magistrate Innocent does not find the two prominent lawyers’ arguments solid enough, he can give a judgment in favour of the US Department of Justice, which most legal experts believe is unlikely.

Messers Hodge and Harrigan will have a 14-day period to apply to the High Court to challenge the ruling.

First extradition order was quashed

On December 22, 2014 the High Court of the Virgin Islands had quashed an extradition order for Mr Hodge, Carlston Beazer, Chad Skelton and Harrigan.

Justice Vicki Ann Ellis’ 51-page ruling summed up her decision against former Governor William B. McCleary, saying the court found that there was no independent judgment exercised by him (McCleary) in making his decision to issue an extradition order.

The men then challenged the Order to Proceed with a second extradition hearing ordered by McCleary. The Judicial Review matter had resulted in a stay in the extradition proceedings at the Magistrate's Court.

The current Governor John S. Duncan OBE who is expected to leave in mid August 2017 has taken a keen interest in this case even appearing in court.

21 Responses to “'Bob' & 'Tico' Extradition decision postponed until September 2017”

  • Just saying (26/07/2017, 21:33) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    This is just wrong
  • innocent blood (26/07/2017, 22:26) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    I thought that ship had come for them boyz?
  • tola (26/07/2017, 22:28) Like (17) Dislike (14) Reply
    Leave our people's alone why can't the government or the governor fight for our people's let them stay here .....the BVI government could've never go to amarica an try to bring somebody from up there to do time in the BVI never in ages you could've get that done ......so leave our people's here in the BVI
    • qc (26/07/2017, 23:10) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
      Finally, sanity has returned to the court and the people, LET MY PEOPLE GO
    • right (26/07/2017, 23:53) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
      Even if they have committed crimes overseas, let our people shelter here. We need paragons of exemplary behavior.
  • free bob (26/07/2017, 22:37) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Case closed
  • Liat 521 (26/07/2017, 23:12) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    How low can we go as a nation and a society with the USA injustice? The rest of the world must be either laughing at us or looking on in horror and sadness.
  • Really (26/07/2017, 23:17) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    I thought things were turning around for us. I thought we were moving towards safety and hope and normalcy.
  • blah (27/07/2017, 00:05) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Our boys staying right here!
  • decision time (27/07/2017, 02:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too much waste time with this already!! Either you do or you don't?
  • Eagle Eye (27/07/2017, 03:14) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    After couple weeks has gone they postponing decision.cancel the curphew and extradition now
  • Freedom! (27/07/2017, 07:05) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    They will never go to the usa
  • Really (27/07/2017, 09:08) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    you know what amazed me here in the virgin islands as to why persons love to associate them self with the criminal element in this country.
    • Hoot (27/07/2017, 12:53) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Criminal behavior is the norm here.
      It is also a money making business
      to be a criminal in the BVI. If you can't beat them, you join them.
    • shuddup (27/07/2017, 13:54) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      The man was found to be innocent twice before
  • Goandsinnomore (27/07/2017, 15:41) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Verdict: No crime committed against USA. Let our people go.
    Justice Innocent will say:
    "For the crime America meted out against the Indians, Bob and Tico: "No charge."
    For enslaving your ancestors without compensation, No Charge
    For promising them a mule and 40 acres of land and not keeping their promise, No Charge
    For all the innocent black people gunned down by the police, No Charge
    For killing our leaders, Martin, Malcolm, Marcus, Medgar Evers and the other Ms', No Charge
    For Jim Crow laws and Segregation Time, No Charge
    For Disrespecting our First Black president, "Case Dismissed. Go in peace and do no American sin no more."
    We are not America's puppet!
  • Allseeing (27/07/2017, 16:22) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    The real criminals wear suit and ties #staywoke
  • Miniters of government (28/07/2017, 00:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about the white collar men at the admin complex


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