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Extradition hearing #2 for ‘Bob’ Hodge & Tico Harrigan begins

- Case being tried in-camera by imported magistrate
The second extradition hearing for Earl ‘Bob’ Hodge (right) and Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan (2nd from left) began today, June 6, 2017 before magistrate Shawn Innocent. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Imported Magistrate Shawn Innocent has ordered the doors of his court room be closed to reporters as he commenced sitting over the extradition hearing of two locals wanted by the United States of America, Earl Deville Hodge aka Bob Hodge and Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan.

Governor John S. Duncan OBE had earlier this year imposed direct rule on the Virgin Islands in ordering monies be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund for this case.

The sitting, which started today June 6, 2017 is anticipated to run for approximately three weeks and will see attorneys at Law Stephen R. Daniels and Patrick Thompson representing the two wanted men.

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

Hodge and Harrigan were arrested on February 7 this year when members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) acted upon new warrants they had received from the United States Justice Department.

The two men were remanded to prison following a special sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at the Road Town Police Station on February 8, 2017.

First extradition order was quashed

On December 22, 2014 the High Court of the Virgin Islands had quashed an extradition order for Mr Earl Delville ‘Bob’ Hodge, Carlston Beazer, Chad Skelton and Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan.

Justice Vicki Ann Ellis’ 51-page ruling summed up her decision against former Governor William Boyd 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 four men were wanted by US authorities for their alleged involvement in a drug ring.

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.

Meanwhile, on September 12, 2016 the wife of Mr Hodge, horse racing legend and businesswomen Mrs Violet 'Letty' Hodge was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $100,000 after being charged for conspiracy to import cocaine.

21 Responses to “Extradition hearing #2 for ‘Bob’ Hodge & Tico Harrigan begins”

  • gkefkkdakxq (06/06/2017, 18:36) Like (7) Dislike (21) Reply
    This governor is just wrong
  • Local (06/06/2017, 21:15) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    John is ra...c..t
  • Lord o (06/06/2017, 21:19) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    These Americans never give up....
  • tretretrete (06/06/2017, 22:41) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Is this foolishness he take our country little bit of savings to do? Struppps...
  • ccc (06/06/2017, 23:29) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    This is just damm wrong how can this be justise
    • Jaigon Jumbie (07/06/2017, 07:26) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
      How can it be justice for some many young lives we have lost through drugs.
      • B Savage (07/06/2017, 08:56) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
        LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! You must be white smh. Sound like Nancy Reagan lying behind.
      • Yes (07/06/2017, 13:25) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        nobody force the young lives to be in/on drugs
        • Jaigon Jumbie (07/06/2017, 14:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          Yes you might be right but what about holding those responsible who make it possible for them to have access to it
  • qc (06/06/2017, 23:43) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    I see a pattern of deliberate questionable behavior by the governor and the legal system. Rosan was correct
  • gkefkkdakxq (06/06/2017, 23:49) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just sayin looking for a silver lining in these storm clouds.
  • ABC (07/06/2017, 00:27) Like (10) Dislike (12) Reply
    This case is NOT in the best interests of our country end of story
  • tola (07/06/2017, 20:38) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let them stay hear why amarica think them is such a bull think them could jus come hear an take our people's from hear if it was them u could've never do them that
  • de silent one (08/06/2017, 00:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    I wish that some of the bloggers who take a moment and consider the seriousness of this proceeding, the possible consequences or back lash of it all. The country should not have to suffer for two gr......y men freedom, and the government should stay out of it and let the chips fall where they may.

  • % (09/06/2017, 22:38) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Free Bob and Tico
  • justice (10/06/2017, 19:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    If you do the crime then you should do the time. Two less mouths we will have to feed.


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