Defence files no case submission in passport fraud trial

By Zaya Williams

The defense is seeking to have the case against suspended Superintendent of Police Ray John and his former partner Shakema Charles dismissed entirely.

Defense attorneys Hugh Marshall, representing John, and Michael Archibald, representing Charles, have filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence is not enough to support a finding of guilt.

John and Charles are accused of conspiring with Vincentian resident Lonzel Jones to forge passport bio pages using unauthorized Multi-Layered Infilling Sheets between January 1 and April 7, 2018.

Charles, a former employee of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, allegedly conspired with John, who is said to have received 16 of the infilling sheets.

According to witness statements, text messages, and live testimonies, John contacted Jones to create fake passport bio pages for individuals interested in purchasing land.

John, assisted by Charles, sent infilling sheets and other necessary documents to Jones through Lisborn Michael, a friend from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

John then asked his nephew Geraldo James to collect the final documents, but police intercepted James and Jones during the transaction.

Jones confessed to the police, while James and Michael claimed ignorance, stating they had not checked the contents of the envelope.

 Despite the evidence presented, the defence argues that the prosecution’s case is too weak.

Justice Tunde Bakre is expected to rule on the submission on February 27.