Editorial Staff
05/03/24 11:05

Editorial Staff
05/03/24 11:05

Passport Fraud Case Thrown Out by Judge

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The case involving the alleged creation of fake passport bio pages has been dismissed by Judge Tunde Bakre.

The defense argued that the judge had no authority to try the case without a jury, and the judge agreed.

As a result, the accused, former police superintendent Ray John, his ex-partner Shakema Charles, and Vincentian resident Lonzel Jones, were discharged.

However, the prosecution has stated that it plans to retry the case in the next assizes.

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

The ongoing trial concerns their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to forge passport bio pages using unauthorized Multi-Layered Infilling Sheets.

The events allegedly took place between January 1 and April 7, 2018. Vincentian resident Lonzel Jones is also a co-defendant in the case.

Charles, a former employee of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, has been accused of conspiring with John to commit the crime. According to reports, John received 16 of the infilling sheets.

The defense lawyers, Hugh Marshall and Michael Archibald, had argued last

The 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 sometime 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, who was 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.

9 Comments

  1. Public

    I told ya all this was going to happen. Antigua is one of the most corrupted country in this Caribbean. Smh. Waste of time disgusted country. No justice what so ever. Ray John and associates will get his carma soon.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous

    So any case go too the Court can be thrown out now .so Custom Officer Christisan case going too throw out too.and only poor people pickney alone can go “JAIL.” I never see you cant get a Passport for your Child here if them no born here but people who no Born here can “SELL” and nothing for it ,and get way “FREE FREE” Lord have merch on ANTIGUA and ANTIGUANS.PEOPLE OPEN UP YOUR EYES .ANTIGUA IS NOT FOR US “

    Reply
  3. Donna

    Even when the evidence were found the case still thrown out. I am wondering how much this judge was paid to squash this case? That is why me don’t want the CCJ! The judges, lawyers and politicians are all corrupt. How can anyone in their right mind votes for the CCJ?

    Reply
    • Truth Teller

      Dunce. Go read the article. He will be retried.

      Reply
      • Doona

        The evidences were there in-front of the judge, jury’s and DPP. What more do you want to find them both guilty? Because the article says so that means it’s happened or it’s going to happen? Wake up! This is Antigua.

  4. Antiguan

    People read and understand nah all that was seen is thrown out well well it will be retried because it has to be judge and jury trial. Guess the prosecution dropped the ball and defense saw it but waited until it suited them to strike.

    Reply
  5. Just na love Antigua anymore.

    This a toilet waste to the damn fullest.What you all expect, I expected that same judgement.Wow, wow was any other in higher authority involved go look for the answers you all will find it..Antigua people live big mansions to live in after many years in rent.Crookishness, fraud and corruption is the island of Antigua next name.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous

    Wait what kind of retrial you all talking about you all no see a done it done this is just too keep you Antigua people quite if this ever come back too the Court is the next 20 years .they just say it as a BIG JOKE .if” Ray John ” Talk you wouldnt BELIEVE a who in it Antigua Antigua where are we HEADING .JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL AND SAVE OUR LITTLE COUNTRY.

    Reply
  7. Donna

    The DPP represented the government, and she had all the evidence and still lost this case. The world is laughing at our court system. That is why crooks always come to Antigua to hide out, claiming to be investors. I say no to the CCJ!

    Reply

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