UPDATE: Five plead not guilty to drug and money laundering offenses
Police Information Office - Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Police investigates at the car park of the Road Town cruise ship dock.
All five of the men who were recently arrested for drug and money laundering offenses pleaded not guilty and were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison after they appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on August 13.
The men, James John, Jomo Jack, Hugh Ericksson, Leon King, and Gerry Freeman, are all implicated for being associated in one form or the other with the 114 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $11.4 million, and a sum of $688,465 cash that policed discovered recently.
Charges
Magistrate Richard pleaded John to the charges of:Â unlawful possession of importation of cocaine; possession of proceeds of criminal conduct; possession of proceeds of criminal conduct; possession of proceeds of criminal conduct; and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Defendants Jack and King were jointly charged with possession of proceeds of criminal conduct. Erickson and Freeman were charged with possession of proceeds of criminal conduct. Meanwhile defendants John, Jack and King were charged with possession of proceeds of criminal conduct; and John and Jack are jointly charged with conspiracy to import cocaine.
All of the men were slapped with charges of: Assisting another to retain the business of criminal conduct; unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply; and being concerned with the supply of a controlled drug.
Allegations
In outlining the allegations, Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham told the court that on August 8, members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) received intelligence that Jack had entered the territory from Antigua at Beef Island airport. The Crown counsel stated that it was believed that Jack’s visit was in no way related to the emancipation celebrations. Instead, Graham said that it was assumed that Jack was here to shepherd the sale of cocaine which he had reasons to believe had left for the territory.
Police allegedly followed Jack and observed that he had a meeting with King in Road Town and later checked into the Fort Burt Hotel.
It was stated that King was driving a bronze Kia vehicle, and on August 9, the police continuing its surveillance, observed the same Kia jeep exited the parking lot of Fort Burt Hotel, drove to the back of the Central Administration Complex, and parked next to a silver Toyota Rav4.
The drivers of both vehicles then got out and went to the rear of the Rav4 and appeared to have been conducting an inspection. They then got back into their vehicles and drove off in different directions.
On Friday, August 10 at around 11:30 am, the bronze Kia driven by King with Jack as the passenger in the front seat, entered the same parking lot at the admin building. The men were joined by the same Rav4 vehicle. The driver was identified as John, who it was stated got into the Kia.
At the same time, police observed a Toyota Tundra truck in the same neighborhood being driven by Erickson, who was accompanied by Freeman. It is alleged that Erickson and Freeman appeared to have been observing the meeting between Jack, John and King.
The police became suspicious and decided to intercept the vehicles. A search of the Kia jeep yielded a hold-all bag which contained some $178,060. Additionally, $80,000 was found in John’s Rav4.
The court heard that Erickson, after observing that the two vehicles were intercepted, drove off. He was however apprehended at the Frenchman’s Cay area with Freeman and $37,040 cash in the jeep.
John admits
Crown Counsel Graham said that officers executing a search warrant at the home of John were told by the defendant that he had money in his home, and during the search police found $391,780 in a cardboard box in the clothes closet. The defendant also told the police that the monies were the product of selling drugs.
In John’s home, officers also noted that there were two large canvas bags with a cardboard box on top. Inside the box police found 10 kilo blocks of suspected cocaine. The two canvas bags contained 30 kilo blocks of suspected cocaine. Four more boxes were found, bringing the total to 114 kilos of cocaine being recovered.
John is said to have told officers that he received some 147 kilos of cocaine at Beef Island dock. He stated that he was contacted by a Colombian that he did not know. The defendant also admitted to selling 36 kilos of cocaine at the price of $11,000 per kilo and explained that the monies found at his residence were from the cocaine he sold.
The defendant further added that the discovered parcels of cocaine at his home were to be sold to Erickson, Freeman, Jack and King. Crown Counsel Graham added that the defendant also mentioned that the meeting police intercepted was to see if the men had the money.
Based on John’s statement, the Crown counsel noted that it is believed that there are other drugs out there and therefore; he said the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Crown counsel noted that cellular phones found in possession of the men shows that there were communications via calls, text and Blackberry messages. He added that the phones were going to be sent to the United Kingdom for forensic examination.
The $688,465 confiscated has since been detained in accordance with the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act.
Attorney Anthea Smith is representing Erickson and Freeman, and Attorney Stephen Daniels is representing John, Jack and King. The matter is adjourned for September 25.
AUGUST 13 REPORT: Five charged, drugs and money seized
Sunday 12th August 2012 – The Royal Virgin Island Police Force today charged five individuals with drug and money laundering offences following an arrest on Friday. The five remain in custody to appear before the Magistrate on Monday, 13th August.
Mr. James Telesforde JOHN, a 62 yr old Captain from Newbush, Tortola, has had charges laid of Importation of Controlled drugs, Conspiracy to supply Controlled Drugs, Possession with intent to supply Controlled drugs, Being concerned in the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering
- Mr. Jomo Jolan Jack , a 28yr old trucker from from St. Vincent has had charges laid of Conspiracy to import Controlled drugs, Possession with intent to supply Controlled drugs, Being concerned in the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering
- Mr. Hugh Ericksson, a 42yr old self employed man from West End has had charges laid of Possession with intent to supply Controlled Drugs, Being concerned with the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering
- Mr. Leon King, a 31yr old Captain from Cane Garden Bay has had charges laid of Possession with intent to supply Controlled drugs, Being concerned with the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering
- Mr. Gerry Freeman, a 48yr old unemployed man from St. Thomas has had charges laid of Possession with intent to supply Controlled drugs, Being concerned with the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering
This follows the arrest of these men on Friday. Following further investigation, the RVIPF recovered over $688,000 in cash and around 114 kilos of cocaine. The street value of this seizure is estimated to be $11.4 million.
Detective Chief Inspector Adams of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has said, ‘This is a significant amount of drugs and money to have been seized by officers. The damage these drugs could have inflicted upon, particularly the young people in this area, and the economic damage this can lead to, cannot be underestimated. I thank the community for their continued support in fighting this despicable crime and urge them to continue to offer us confidential information to ensure we remain the safest place in the region.’Â Acting Deputy Commissioner James commended the officers for the excellent job executed on Friday resulting in the initial seizure of the drugs and cash. The RVIPF continues to be committed to making a significant impact on organized crime in the territory.
Persons with any further information regarding this matter, or other offences, are asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 800 8477. All information will be treated in complete confidence.
This article was posted in its entirety as received by bvinews.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of bvinews.com, its sponsors or advertisers.
52 Comments
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Things are not often as they seem, hope miss richards use her jugdgement in this, some pple will tell lies to get themselves off, and not everything a co accused may say may be tru and what the evidence say, but there are more to the story that police and prosecution are only concern wit convictions ratings, Do the right thing, not every paintin reflects the truth
All i can say if so many ppl was so quick to use drugs, they would not need to traffic…you sit and comment not knowing all the facts, i don’t agree with what they did but hats done is done, i see ppl are quick to hide the internet and comment but wont call the police and give tips on other crimes…the other thing is you guys have no problem taking their money when they spend at your busineses…its still the same money…Now let the court system try the case this is not the “peoples court”
Matter of fact come tell it in my face walking dead
If this is still under investigation why is there so much about it in media? just curious
oh yeah and how stupid to Charge- Chris n Freeman, for POSSESSION with intent to supply Controlled Drugs, Being concerned with the supply of Controlled drugs and Money Laundering?? only Jimmy John had POSSESSION OF THE COCAINE. . . stupid, throwing an empty book!!!!! well that is unless there is alot more to the story that the police are not telling. But the story as written above, FUBR!
the money does not add up~ none of the amounts add up to multiples of 11K per kilo~
police r giving out too much info, they are still looking for something~
Chris n his passenger will be goin home soon, they have nothing on them~
Jimmy John pleads not guilty??? St. Martin fuel receipt is a hoot~
If u ever in a thing that goes to the press, u know how stupid confused and messed up all the details get. This is all just a tall tale, controlled by. . . we all know who!~
When you all suppose to talk, you don’t.
You need to go and help the cops solve the murders from here talking about who you know always into drugs and who stupid for this and that etc.
Donna Baronville, Jason Bailey, Beef, Glenny, Mr. Stevens from VG, Ian, Lovell and many many more murders are still unsolved.
I wish people would just stop commenting crap and just send tips about the unsolved murders to the cops. Tortola is to small to have so many unsolved murders.
Cause nobody care bout these monkeys. solving their crime don’t mean dollars but big major drug bust means dollars in alot of cops hand.
FBI In The BVI……..Good Job, Well Executed
Da only reason certain criminals go to jail is cuz government hate competition.
This is not a high court matter. This is a magistrate court matter. I suggest that we educate ourselves about the judicial system here in the bvi.
i wonder how is child mother feel she just get a brand new jeep and it get hit by the police…wow..that jeep ain even a month old.. and it done in drugs..i wonder if the same money buy it cash.
I do hope that Redheaed don’t give you guys more than 120 years each up by Her Majesty Hotel. No rent to pay. Doors lock tight. No mosquito bites….
to god be the glory to those of you who quick to judge someone who sin differently from u:( its a shame what intrigues you older folks. we young ppl do good n no commenting huh? to god be the glory. am sorry to the family who have to go tru this.
Chist u of all ppl should know better we all knew yo brother died because of da drug game but I guess da didn’t teach u yo lesson @ all now u will pay!!!
Shut your a– and keep off of Chris and Sonny.
Sonny got what was coming to him anyways
thanx ma dear child!! yo done know wa ah go on….
I hope you know what is coming to you Walking Dead.
Maybe your girl but I would take your money instead.
They need another career, a legal, and decent career. If they were to abide by the law they will not be in this mess. It is their involvement with drug dealing that destroy lives, is why people are talking about them. So if you are their friends, instead of defending their illegal dealings, give them some sensible advice, “Get A Legal Job”.
Stop talking wa u only think u know
Please go and tell Chris whatever you have to tell him to his face.
i say yes good fo his rass
Shut your hating ra……………ssssss
@TO MIMI
Why do you think that people hate drug dealers, because we law abiding citizens don’t agree with them destroying lives with their drug dealing? You people who defend them are the haters. You hate yourselves, you hate humanity and you don’t have any self esteem. You all defenders of wrong doing can jump up and down, we will speak out against criminal behaviour.
What happened to the ugly bunny, i see he still on our streets?
Cash for Life ?? Guess you thought so but….
Stupid is as STUPID does.
No mercy with these Fools please !
whew, every string has an end. Take notice you bad boys and girls, quit now and repent before they get you to, to go before Redhead!
Just because you get away with something 1000 times, only means your chance of getting caught is getting so high you need to notice.
If you play you will pay, or as the Bible puts it “as you sow, you shall reap, God is not mocked”!!
Again these boys are done for, but you can change your ways and turn to the Lord God,and be saved from your sins and delivered, and forgiven, and you will be Born Again, today, give you live to Jesus!
In a court of law, you are innocent until proven guilty. Only father up above knows what really happened and only him can judge you. Don’t mind the blogs gossiping, seek the lord, if you haven’t already and fall to his feet. He is a wonderful lord and works miracles, not judging and condoning anyone but the man upstairs don’t sleep. Believe in him, its not too late to turn your life around. God bless you all, your families and your loved ones. Father God, I pray for them, look after them, may your hands touch them and your blood wash away their sins so they can start all over with you in their corner lord. Amen!
It’s funny how friends and family of criminals always want to quote the bible when it is convenient.
I’m not a family member, I am a woman who has been through the crossroad and believe I know what these men are going through. I am a born again christian and everyday I dedicate my life to the lord. If he can save me, he can anyone else no matter who you are! All you have to do is turn your life around, its never too late!
You are clearly living in an illusion and have managed to twist your fabricated belief into one that makes no sense. Its amazing how you christians are so contradictory – are you telling me if i go out and kill 7 people but become a christian everything will be ok. This is the problem with the society here, you all beleive you can do nonsense and get away with it, then turn to your imaginary friend and all is forgiven.
You refer to him as Imaginary. May he be with you! You reap what you sow but god has a plan for all of us, he has ways of testing us and he is miraculous! I believe in him but not everyone is the same, you’re quick to judge the society, you shouldn’t be Like that but its your life, I chose the way of the lord and I am quite happy with it. I will carry out his word and serve him.
The bible says the “wages of sins is death, but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus christ our lord”. As a christian, I belive that everyone can be forgiven by christ as, long as they surrender thier lives to Jesus.By repenting of sins. Only Jesus can save us.What alot of us have to remember. That just because we murder someone. And then turn ourlives around by accepting christ. We still have to bare the penalty of breaking the law.We are not exempeted from it. But at the end of the day our hearts and mind is at peace because we truly will have eternal life thru christ our lord by following the path that christ has for us to be saved and not perish.
U jomo should hav been in vincy eating and drinking merrily with family and friends.Your not a hand to mouth so I don’t c why u had 2 b so greedy and selfish 2 ur family members.The law must take it’s course.
U guys need to be real, u act like u don’t know what the drug business is about. Is this the first time U guys here someone going to jail or being caught with drugs. Wake up! What I suggest is to check your kids and the people who speak out most against it, because they are probably doing it slso. Maybe the one’s making these comments is also doing dealing, selling, laundering, etc.
To “please” we know people use drugs. Your post is proof enough……..
Leon don’t done buddy. He out on bail already supposedly was sick and needed to have surgery now this again and on top of it a brand new Kia his child mother just buy get rammed by the police. what a thing. My mother always used to say who don’t hear does feel.
Boy chris,this might be it,it much can be said here, just get a good laywer and see whats happens.
They pull this stunt with the perfect judge in sitting….
Handle them Redhead… 
Hope you guys like prison food because it will be all will get for a loooooonnnnnnggg time….
Jimmy John you again? And that King guy, isn’t he out on bail for the same offense? These drug dealers don’t give a damn about what is right or wrong, they only care about a pocket full of cash. Let us watch and see how hard lawyers, family and friends going to fight to get these creeps off the hook. They all need to rot in jail. Those who are not from here, deport them never to set foot on this island again. We don’t need these people as residents. Your Honour Mr. Redhead, please throw the book at them, so they will not be around to kill our children. That will be five less. Good job RVIPF.
REDHEAD put them to bed!
A few points….if you are 62 years old and you still out there doing the deals yourself…drug dealing isnt for you…retire! (too late, you are retired now)
How does a 28 year old trucker and a 48 year old unemployed dude get in the drugs game?? One doesn’t make much money and the other cant possibly have much money….hmmm
Didnt the King guy get busted some time ago? Exactly how many warning signs do you need stupid? We are watching you!!! uh uh …are you really?? Maybe they wont see me over here by the cruise ship dock… DUMB!!
So long farewell you are all going to jail
Good bye you fools, you needed to go to school
Your goose is cooked your goose is dead
especially if you end up in front of REDHEAD!
I needed this laugh today. I laughed so hard.. I cried..still laughing.
20 years.
One of these guys is out on bail after having been caught witha significant amount of cash a few months back! I recall hearing about his family and friends working hard to come up with the cash bail that was required. How loving of him to care about all these people who trusted in him and for him to risk being involved in the activity of importing cocaine to our BVI. This is a prime example of how selfish and greedy those in the drug trade are. These criminals place their greedy desires above everyone! People need to realize this and to stop protecting these people. They are who they are. Dispicble! I pray the RVIPF continue to bust these guys. There are plenty more on the street showing off their pimped up rides and their blings; displaying their wealth in the noses of hard working people and enticing our youth to choose this path.
$688,000 in cash and around 114 kilos of cocaine. The street value of this seizure is estimated to be $11.4 million.
————————————
Just incredible. My lower jaw is still on the floor. Flies are entering as we speak. Since I am utterly speachless, I will write: Great job RVIPF! Now. Can someone please help me lift my jaw back in place. Thanks.
redhead going to have a field day with these guys
what a stupid place to do a drug deal
Throw away the key!
More to come
Jimmy John the old moorings cap that one?
I DONT JUDGE ANY ONE CAUSE THE BIBLE SAYS THERE IS NO ONE THAT IS GOOD. WE ALL HAVE SIN AND HAVE BECOME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. WE ARE ALL AS FILTY RAGS BEFORE GOD. I JUST WANT TO SAY IF WE CONCENTRATE AND A SOLUTION INSTEAD OF THE PROBLEM WE WILL FIND IT. ONLY GOD CAN HELP THE BVI FROM SINKIG MORE AND TO THE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE REMENBER JESUS SAID THAT WE HAVE TO BE DIFERENT. WE CANOT BE INVOLVING OUR SELVE IN ANY INTERNET WAR. PLEASE DONT MAKE THE NAME OF OUR GOOD LORD BE BLASFEME BECAUSE OF OUR ACTION
S. BE WISE AND JUST PRAY CAUSE THATS WHAT WE WAS CALL FOR TO PRAY BE STILL AND GOD WILL DO THE REST. MAY GOD BLESSED THE BVI. GOD IS OUR ONLY HOPE BVI.
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