Trinidad police accused of corruption involving Guyanese

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

(TRINIDAD EXPRESS).- THREE police officers last attached to the Chaguanas Robbery Squad appeared in court yesterday charged with agreeing to accept a bribe to forego the detection of a crime and prosecution of a Guyanese national.

Constables Kevin Jacob, Selvon Joseph and Samuel Gardnier appeared before Chaguanas Senior Magistrate Gillian Scotland.

They were jointly charged with the offence, while Jacob was charged with releasing Dasen Rose, knowing him to be an illegal immigrant.

Joseph and Gardnier, who together had more than ten years in the Police Service, faced a magistrate in Port of Spain last month, when they were granted TT$50,000 bail.

Scotland yesterday read the charge to Jacob, 26, of Williamsville, which alleged that on February 27 at Chaguanas, being an agent of the State, a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), he allegedly corruptly agreed to accept $15,000 from Kerry Rambharan as a reward to forego the detection of a criminal offence and prosecution of a criminal offender.

Jacob was charged separately that on the same day, while in Chaguanas, he also agreed to accept TT$20,000 from Rambharan.

It was also alleged against Jacob that on February 28, at Main Road, Chaguanas, he misbehaved while performing the duties of the TTPS by wilfully and intentionally releasing Guyanese national Dasen Rose from lawful custody, knowing him to be an illegal immigrant.

The officers, who were last attached to the Chaguanas Criminal Investigation Department Special Robbery Squad, were charged by Sgt Bryon Daniel of the TTPS Professional Standards Bureau.

Inspector Walker, Sgt Seepersad and Cpl Joefield were also involved in the case.

Defence attorney Taradath Singh asked for Jacob to be placed on reasonable bail.

He described his client, who had served nine years in the Police Service, as a well-known and “well-rounded crime fighter”.

Singh said Jacob was the father of one and was expecting another child.

“He surrendered himself to the police yesterday morning after he learnt there was a warrant for his arrest,” Singh said.

Police prosecutor Sgt Shiva Boodoo made no objection to Jacob being placed on bail.

Scotland granted him TT$100,000 bail to cover the three charges.

Jacob, Joseph and Gardnier will return to court on May 5.

Shereza Khan, who appeared on Joseph’s and Gardnier’s behalf, asked for the matter to be transferred to Port of Spain. However, Scotland said she (Khan) could consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Scotland also said when the time came, the court could consider making an order.