Several major cases that grabbed headlines over the last year have been completed and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consultation, following which instructions will be given to the police as to whether charges will be laid.
Among those were allegations of misappropriating money out of the Children’s Life Fund. Making the statement was Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of Crime, Glen Hackett, during yesterday’s weekly press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.
Hackett, who tabled some 14 matters to members of the media, said investigations into other cases were expected to be completed before the end of this month. He said a file compiled by Fraud Squad investigators regarding the Children’s Life Fund probe had been submitted to the DPP.
“We are now seeking advice and this advice will now formalise the way forward with respect to this matter. So I expect that in the near future we should have some successful culmination,” Hackett said.
On the controversial wrecked fire truck that cost taxpayers $6.8 million to retrieve, he said officers had been working closely with the DPP and a “successful culmination” was expected in the near future. On November 17, 2012, fire tender No 504 slipped 150 metres off the roadway in Blanchisseuse and had to be retrieved from the precipice.
The vehicle was purchased in February, 2006, for $2.2 million. Following the accident which occurred seven years later from the date of purchase, it was retrieved for $6.8 million. The recommendation was made by the Chief Fire Officer and brought to the Cabinet for approval by the then minister of national security Jack Warner. Some 20 months after the death of baby Simeon Cottle, the case has now been completed.
The baby died when his head was sliced open during a caesarean section at the Mt Hope Maternity Hospital in March, 2014.
Hackett said the Police Service had received two independent opinions of “highly competent” obstetricians and gynaecologists and the file was to be presented to the DPP to seek advice. He said the process was expected to be completed before the end of the month.
Asked why some of these matters took so long to be completed and some have not yet been completed, Hackett said the information, including documents, had not been forthcoming. He said in conducting the probes the police had to look at the level of thoroughness which included not only laying charges but ensuring there was sufficient evidence when the case was presented.
Probes to be completed
On the Emailgate issue Hackett said the police had received information pertaining to two outstanding accounts but described one as “voluminous in nature.”
“Our IT persons are currently scrutinising the contents of the accounts,” Hackett said, adding that when that process was completed the police would seek advice from the DPP.
Regarding the prison break on July 24, which resulted in the shooting death of Constable Sherman Maynard, 27, Hackett said a team of investigators, led by the Homicide Investigations Bureau, has been assigned the probe and 154 people have been interviewed and statements recorded.
“We have also made progress with the technological aspects of this investigation and I have been given the assurance that this investigation will be completed before December 31, 2015,” Hackett said.
Allan “Scanny” Martin, one of the accused in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder, was killed during the brazen midday escape as he and Christopher “Monster” Selby and Hassan Atwell, shot their way out of the Port-of-Spain prison on Frederick Street. Atwell was found dead just before Selby had turned himself in. On the murder of prisons superintendent David Millette, he said this investigation was also ongoing.
Regarding claims of fraud at St Michael’s Home for Boys in Diego Martin, Hackett said the matter, which was also headed by the Fraud Squad, was also not yet completed, adding that he could not give a definite date when it would be completed. “This is because the investigation has not yet reached a stage where I can reasonably predict the end of the investigation,” Hackett added.
Investigations of alleged contract irregularities between Petrotrin and Mexican shipping firm Maritima de Ecologia SA de CV (Maritima) is also continuing. Hackett said while several documents had been obtained it was still too premature to give an estimated time of completion. He also assured that the investigation into the alleged discovery of marijuana at the private residence of former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar two years ago would also be completed before the end of this month.
Hackett said acting ACP Ainsley Garrick, who is heading the probe, had said two key people, through their attorneys, had recently submitted statements.
Prisongate soon to be decided
The Prisongate matter which had commenced under retired ACP Donald Denoon has reached a “critical juncture” and was expected to be completed soon. The Prisongate matter arose following a ruling in the Jamal Sambury assault claim against the State to warrant a criminal investigation of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice and conspiracy to defraud the State.
Hackett said ACP Vincel Edwards was now heading the probe and several people had already been interviewed. “The investigation has reached a critical juncture and the investigators are now poised to take decisive action.
“However, they would first consult with the DPP and I expect this investigation would be completed before the end of 2015,” Hackett said.
Former Solicitor General Eleanor Honeywell-Donaldson resigned after she raised the issue with then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who in turn referred the matter to then attorney general Anand Ramlogan, for determination.
The allegations surround bogus civil claims filed by prisoners and the settlement of same for significant sums of money paid out by the State.
Forensic firm for Life Sport
Regarding allegations of corruption and other wrongdoing of the controversial Life Sport programme, which allegedly siphoned over $400 million to criminal gangs, Hackett said while the police had made steady progress, the “greatest challenge” was the collection of documentary evidence.
“This was against a backdrop of inefficient record-keeping practices.
“However, we have to date in our possession approximately 98 per cent of all the relevant documents and at this time we have initiated the requisite process towards engaging the services of a reputable accounting firm to undertaking a forensic exercise to further advance our investigation,” Hackett said.
He said the police was also in constant consultation with the DPP regarding the matter.
Former Life Sport director, Ruth Marchan, Hackett said, was never a State witness nor was she ever in protective custody.
“Ruth Marchan was a pivotal figure with respect to activities that took place at Life Sport and as such she will be interviewed. She was interviewed in the past with respect to another matter.
“She has not been fully interviewed with respect to Life Sport,” Hackett added.
Earlier this year Marchan was arrested in Florida and charged with shoplifting.