Former school teacher fined $4K in 6-year-old drug case
A Great Mountain resident who is a former elementary teacher from the United States has been slapped with a $4,000 fine for being in possession of 101 grams of cannabis more than six years ago.
After being charged with possession of a controlled drug back in March 2014, 56-year-old Riel Charleswell — a businessman in the territory — was found guilty today, July 6.
If Charleswell fails to pay the sum in the next three months, he will spend six months at Her Majesty’s Prison.
What the court heard happened
The court heard that on the day in question, Charleswell was standing near the Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town when he was approached by members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
The law enforcers reportedly informed him that they suspected that he was supplying drugs. A search was therefore conducted of his person and of his vehicle.
A dime bag containing cannabis found in his car while a single marijuana cigarette was found in his pocket, the court heard. A subsequent search of his home uncovered more dime bags with the drug.
He was subsequently charged.
The offender is scheduled to return to court on October 8 to report on payment of the fine.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Why did he just get a fine? Locals are put in jail for the same thing. I am confused.
He’s local
SIX YEARS! I despair ! And he has until Oct to pay the fine. What is going on here?
Yet, no mention of the ammunition found. And I can see why every Tom,Dick and Harry want to have guns cause the court just giving them a slap on the wrist
Stop misleading the Public about former school teacher. Number one,he wasn’t a school teacher in the BVIs. Second this is not the first time … Oh please.
The herb isnt legal now?
absurd the cost of the court case must be 50 times the 4K in fine,
does he not get deported???
what about the ammunition? you dont have that unless you have a gun.
make him pay all the costs and then the fine and deport.
Was he selling illegal drugs to teenagers for profit?
Not too much sense for an elementary school teacher!!!
He got to be one of them deportee trash that america dont want anymore and them dump the load on us.