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Earl D. Hodge & Roberto Harrigan denied bail; Remain @ HMP

- Appeal on Extradition hearing not heard or decided as yet
Virgin Islanders Earl Delville Hodge, aka 'Bob Hodge', left, and former Customs Officer Roberto Harrigan, aka ‘Tico’, right, have been denied bail while they await their appeal hearing on their extradition to the United States of America. Photo: VINO/File
Many human rights observers and legal experts were not clear about the role of two former governors, William B. McCleary, left and John S. Duncan OBE, right, in this extradition case. Photo: VINO/GIS
Many human rights observers and legal experts were not clear about the role of two former governors, William B. McCleary, left and John S. Duncan OBE, right, in this extradition case. Photo: VINO/GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It was an unfavourable day, Friday January 19, 2018 for two Virgin Islanders, businessman Earl Delville Hodge, aka 'Bob Hodge', and former customs officer Roberto Harrigan, aka ‘Tico.’ They were denied bail while they await their appeal hearing in a decision handed down on November 14, 2017 by Magistrate Shawn Innocent in favour of the USA, which allowed for their extradition to commence.

Both local men are wanted by the United States of America (USA) to face charges in relation to an alleged 13-year drug ring.

However, their Attorneys-at-Law, Stephen R. Daniels, and Patrick Thompson, filed a writ of habeas corpus within the 15 days required, as they moved to appeal the Magistrate’s decision at the High Court level.

Bail denied

Without an appeal hearing both men sought bail to be free until a decision is made; however, on Friday January 19, 2018 via video link at the Ritter Building in Wickham's Cay II on Tortola, Justice Nicola P. Byer handed down a decision, rejecting the bail arguments put forward by Attorneys Daniels and Thompson.

If the men lose the Appeal of Magistrate Innocent's decision, they have other legal options, including going to the United Kingdom Privy Council, the Virgin Islands’ final court.

Hodge and Harrigan were arrested by local police on February 7, 2017 after the USA Government issued a fresh extradition order for the men.

Was there justice?

High Court Judge Vicki A. Ellis had ruled that former Governor William B. McCleary's decision to issue an Order to Proceed with an extradition hearing be quashed and that the matter be remitted to the Governor for reconsideration in accordance with the judgment of the court.

The men had challenged the Order to Proceed with a second extradition hearing ordered by McCleary on October 11, 2012.

Many human rights observers and legal experts were not clear about the role of two former governors, William B. McCleary and John S. Duncan OBE, in this case. Mr Duncan was summoned to appear in person at one of the hearings.

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Editor’s note: Our newsroom erred with some previous information published today January 21, 2018 on this matter & humbly and politely apologise to all affected.

29 Responses to “Earl D. Hodge & Roberto Harrigan denied bail; Remain @ HMP”

  • Bib strong (21/01/2018, 13:48) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    I applaud vino for getting it right and apologising when they get it wrong that's the sign of a mature media house

    Long live vino
    • ccc (22/01/2018, 00:33) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
      The US is a laughingstock, and most deservedly so, and has no moral authority in this matter to take our boys to the US. But before we can find the light at the end of the tunnel, we must first find the darned tunnel.
  • jah (21/01/2018, 13:55) Like (5) Dislike (19) Reply
    Pls get the fact first this is my news but it must be fast but accurate! You don't want no trouble
  • cay (21/01/2018, 13:59) Like (21) Dislike (30) Reply
    Let my people go
  • gkefkkdakxq (21/01/2018, 15:45) Like (15) Dislike (32) Reply
    Keep fighting Bob we with you
  • uncle sam (21/01/2018, 15:56) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    When the us wants you it's trouble
  • Gumption.Official (21/01/2018, 17:40) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is the reason why I would like the youngests to think about life. That’s how or what courthouse will do for days, weeks, years before they finalize a Decision. The days,weeks,months or years back and forth dealing with court could be time building themselve. This long process only causing pain to family and friends as well as expenses. The men might have /might not have committed the (file crime) - but what they probably would admit too will be (The back and forth dealing with court etc is not fun at all and if any of us can avoid even for as simple for a parking ticket (avioid it).
  • 1 (21/01/2018, 20:27) Like (8) Dislike (14) Reply
    They will get off watch
    • watching (22/01/2018, 11:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Get off how? This is America they dealing with. Unless Tico got some kind very Haitian vodoo roots they Can't get off. U watch what happens. So shameful.
      • blah (22/01/2018, 12:39) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Watching, get your own screen name. If Haiti voodoo is so strong why cant they work the strong voodoo to make their country a better place. No one have no voodoo on dude, dude got bit by the greedy bug.
  • mingo (21/01/2018, 20:48) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nope .he from mingo
  • bvi (21/01/2018, 21:50) Like (6) Dislike (18) Reply
    Bvi be mindful if they go with them that only the beginning they will be back and a lot more families will be crying and them in high places let's fight for our people from the injustice
    That whole case is injustice to them we have to expose the injustice and lies from the persecution
    • Users (22/01/2018, 11:58) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      Wat about the tears of the families who dealing with drug addicts etc
      • @ Users (23/01/2018, 21:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why can't you just ride off quietly into the sunset with your blame game?
        Love pasa pasa
  • concern (21/01/2018, 21:59) Like (16) Dislike (17) Reply
    The public needs to know why the men's were denied bail and the unfairness of this case a whole lot of lies and corruption from convicted people that lieing for reduced time and corrupt court system lets expose them bob let's bring the media house to visit you for interview and expose the unjust
  • Just asking. ..... (21/01/2018, 23:57) Like (25) Dislike (7) Reply
    What about the political thieves running the country now? When is the jail house going meet them?
  • voter (22/01/2018, 00:26) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    If only there was someone with leadership skills who could serve as an honest broker between the two parties, the men and the USA. No one to look out for our people's best interest and save the family and the guys pockets from this stress.
  • Jingle bell (22/01/2018, 00:29) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    Free big boss
  • ------------------- (22/01/2018, 00:30) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    I hate to be so cynical, but I believe the NDP has a hand is this extradition matter!
    • EL oh El (22/01/2018, 09:30) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Oh God you so stupid lol how they have a part in it ? Please do explain your stupid statement
  • wize up (22/01/2018, 06:29) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    how can you fight Babylon the bandit: they the trick, the merchandise, the money and the all the tricks......keep the faith my idren
    • watching (22/01/2018, 12:22) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      @Wize up, if Babylon is the bandit why are you still using Babylon merchandise and money. You need to go and live off the grid or somewhere in Wild Alaska with the others who feel or think the same way.
      • wize up (22/01/2018, 17:53) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ watching: babaylon been here and will be long after you and I leave earth: a fool will always be a fool( Read your BIBLE)......
      • wize up (22/01/2018, 22:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ watching: you better open your eyes: it’s the governors pushing this issue, ready. Name another incident in this territory where others were targeted(speak, I did not hear what you said speak up!!!!) ignorance is bliss!!!


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