Leon King will face trial - Magistrate Dr John
King, 33, who was arrested two years ago on charges of money laundering, allegedly had less than $20,000 in his bank account at the time but earned up to $250 on some days working various jobs, according to testimony given by Det. Sgt Adrian Dale.
King pleaded not guilty to one count of the acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct after Police allegedly observed him on January 24, 2012 around 2:25 p.m. travelling in and exiting a small vessel “Overeasy” which was docked close to the Frenchman’s Cay Bridge.
Attorney Valerie Gordon appeared on behalf of King during the hearing yesterday.
King, who previously represented himself in the matter, filed the no case submission on the basis that investigators had no record, photographic or otherwise, of him being involved in any criminal activity. He also claimed that the prosecution had not proven that the money discovered had come by way of criminal activity.
Sgt. Dale testified that the money which amounted to $136,127 should rightfully have been declared. He also told the court that there should have been financial documentation that supported having that kind of money.
King reportedly told investigators at the time that he worked in various capacities such as a boat charter captain, truck driver and as a construction worker.
According to the transcript of the interview done with investigators, King said he never calculated how much he earned in a single year but told officers, “I know I does make good money.” King said he sometimes made $200-250 per day through tips and payments making it hard to calculate his earnings.
Two other Officers testified earlier and related elements of King’s arrest on suspicion of money laundering. He was reportedly arrested as part of an intelligence led operation. It was noted that King made no reply when asked whether the money found belonged to him.
The money was reportedly found in transparent plastic bags which indicated the amount contained in each bag, all hidden inside a large bag under the centre console of an open hull boat.
The trial is expected to continue with King’s defence.
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