Duo to hear fate regarding Passport scandal tomorrow

February 29, 2024, is a date that the duo of suspended Police Superintendent Ray John and his former partner Shakema Charles will wait to hear their fate surrounding the legal troubles looming over them for years.

On Thursday, the duo accused of being involved in a passport fraud scandal will know whether their trial will continue or a no-case submission filed by their attorneys will be granted.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Shannon Jones-Gittens is expected to give the ruling.

Defence Attorneys Hugh Marshall for John and Michael Archibald for Charles would have filed stating that their clients should not stand trial because there is insufficient evidence tying them to the crimes.

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

According to media reports, Charles, who worked at the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, is accused of conspiring with John, who allegedly received 16 infilling sheets.

Evidence presented in court suggests that John and Charles provided infilling sheets and other documents to Jones in St Vincent.

John had reportedly contacted Jones some time prior and hired him to create fake passport bio pages for persons wishing to purchase land, promising him substantial compensation.

Witness testimonies indicate that John asked a longtime police friend, Superintendent Lisborn Michael, traveling to St Vincent in April, to deliver an envelope to Jones without disclosing its contents.

Jones then created the documents and delivered them to John’s nephew, Geraldo James, but Vincentian police intercepted the transaction.

A ruling was to be made on Tuesday, but the judge asked for more time.