Leon King will now proceed with new representation when his matter appears before the Magistrate's Court on May 1, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Leon King pleaded not guilty to one count of the acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct when he appeared in court during the first hearing on January 27, 2012.

King, previously represented by attorney at law Herbert McKenzie, will now instead be represented by attorney at law Richard Rowe.

The defendant remains incarcerated on a similar but unrelated matter after previously being granted bail in the first incident, which allegedly occurred near Frenchman’s Cay on a small vessel named "Overeasy".

When the matter was called before the Magistrate’s Court today, April 16, 2013 Rowe told the court that he was now in possession of all the relevant documents and was ready to proceed.

He was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 with the cash component being half of this amount; the cash component was later changed to $40,000.

The matter is set for trial on June 19, 2013.

See previous story posted February 28, 2012: 

Leon King’s cash bail reduced to $40K, to undergo surgery  

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A Cane Garden Bay resident, who was offered $200,000 bail of which $100,000 had to be cash on January 27, 2012, after being caught with $136,620 by officers had his bail reduced yesterday afternoon when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court.

Leon King, 31, was on remand all this time because his family was unable to come up with the substantial amount of cash to guarantee his bail. According to his lawyer, Herbert McKenzie, they could only muster up $38,400 and pleaded with Magistrate Tamia Richards to reduce it.

McKenzie also disclosed that his client has to undergo surgery, and it would have been better for King, his family and the doctors if he [King] is not in prison for the pre and post operation.

In light of this, Magistrate Richards reduced the cash amount to $40,000 and imposed a charge of a property valued $160,000 in favour of the Crown. He also has to return to court on March 23, 2012.

King, who is charged with acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct, landed in trouble after police observed him on January 24, 2012 around 2:25 p.m. travelling in and exiting a small vessel “Overeasy” close to the Frenchman’s Cay Bridge.

The boat was searched and a black bag containing over $136,000 was found.

He was the sole occupant of the vessel.

Meanwhile, the Crown has possession of the money for three months.