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New hiccup in trial of 5 men accused of money laundering; drug possession

Leon King (braids) and Gerry Freeman are facing charges of money laundering and possession of cocaine. Photo: VINO/File
Also charged with money laundering and possession of cocaine are Jomo Jack (left) and James John (right). Photo: VINO/File
Also charged with money laundering and possession of cocaine are Jomo Jack (left) and James John (right). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The trial for five men accused of money laundering and drug possession, which was scheduled to begin today October 23, 2012 in the Magistrate's Court, has been hit with delay after the court was told that the case file was not ready in contrast to what was previously related to the court.

The five accused are James Telesforde John, a 62-year-old captain from Tortola, who is facing charges of alleged unlawful importation of cocaine (114 kg); possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($391,780); possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060); possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($81,585); and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Jomo Jack and Leon King, were jointly charged with possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060), with Hugh Erickson and Gerry Freeman also facing a joint charge of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($37,040.25).

Erickson and Freeman were represented by Anthea Smith while King and Jack were represented by Ruthilia Maximea. John is being represented by Stephen Daniels.

Principal Crown Counsel Ms Tiffany Scatliffe told the court that the file was actually not ready in contrast to what was previously told to the court and indicated that the official certificate of analysis should be received by FedEx shortly.

Magistrate Tamia Richards said that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had a discussion during the last hearing at the court and had agreed to have the trial started today. Ms Scatliffe apologised to the court for the conflicting information.

The Principal Crown Counsel then raised the matter of a previous correspondence about having the drugs tested and being advised by the Court about what to tell the Commissioner of Police with regard to how much of the alleged drug is to be disposed of as there were security concerns involved.

Mr Daniels explained that while he was appreciative of the concerns of the Commissioner of Police about the security of the alleged cocaine. He was also keen to express that the analysis certificate must first be disclosed as it was necessary to ascertain the weight of the substance and whether it was indeed cocaine.

The defence attorney was also concerned about the fact that Crown Counsel Valston Graham had represented that the file was complete and that statements would be disclosed after the previous hearing held on September 25 with a trial scheduled today. He related to the court that to date no statements or interviews were received and was surprised that the file itself did not reflect any of this information.

Both Ms Maximea and Ms Smith agreed with Mr Daniels and advised that, given the circumstances, they had no objection to a new date.

Magistrate Richards then suggested that the defence and prosecution confer by correspondence before the next hearing to have the analyst’s report disclosed.

Mr Daniels further requested that the defence has an opportunity to view the disposal of the drug and the Magistrate then questioned whether this request was supported by case law. Ms Scatliffe indicated that she had made mention of the applicable rulings in her submission to the court.

Ms Smith then made a new attempt to secure bail for her client but was refused based on the grounds that disclosure had not yet been made which meant that no new information had emerged to support her application. Magistrate Richards indicated that the previous ruling would stand. Defence attorney Maximea who had also earlier stated that she intended to make a new bail application for her client deferred based on the Magistrate’s ruling.

Ms Scatliffe then indicated that she should be able to deliver the necessary information tomorrow, October 24, 2012 and apologised once more on behalf of the crown.

The court heard that the joint charges were as a result of the money being allegedly found in two vehicles occupied by each of the two defendants.

Three charges were also brought against all five men and included assisting another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct, unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug to another.

Previously all five men had pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

As a result of their pleas, applications of bail were presented to the court on behalf of Mr. Erickson and Mr. King, both of which were denied by Magistrate Richards.

In giving the reasons why the court thought it unfit to grant bail for both defendants, Magistrate Richards stated that as a result of the said charges being faced by the men, there is no amount of bail that can be offered to secure the defendants.

It is alleged that on August 10, 2012, in Road Town, in the vicinity of the Government Administration Complex, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force observed and arrested the five men who were suspected to have drugs in their possession.

Upon their arrest, the court was informed, officers recovered over $688,000 in cash and around 114 kilos of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of $11.4 million.

The five men were asked to return to court on December 6, 2012 when their trial is expected to begin.

10 Responses to “New hiccup in trial of 5 men accused of money laundering; drug possession ”

  • x factor (23/10/2012, 15:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    deeds guys will get off..... If not in court, in appeal.
    • Mit (23/10/2012, 16:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      YEAH RIGHT!!!
      • each his own (23/10/2012, 19:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        these youths need jobs..meaningful jobs not more prison and long sentences
        • Mind Yah Business (24/10/2012, 02:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          These People look like YOUTHS TO YOU ???? THESE IS GROWN ASS MAN!
      • Joe Joe (23/10/2012, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Attorneys for the defendant in these cases need to take up its fight against deeds long delays to the court of appeal…for justice delayed is justice denied.
  • bay yute (23/10/2012, 15:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This nonsense again? Always some court delay...
  • Rick Ross (23/10/2012, 16:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Court is a joke in this place give the man them bail
    • @@@@@ (24/10/2012, 06:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I totally understand the frustration faced by these guys wit these hicups
  • ophra (23/10/2012, 19:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the drug dealers know that they're at risk to lose their nice cars and their houses, hopefully that deters them from going out and selling drugs.
  • zan (27/10/2012, 17:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    has or legal system ever achieved anything on time?


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