Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
Two police officers will appear before a Master of the Criminal Court of Port-of-Spain today, after they were arrested and charged with misbehaviour in public office, in relation to reports of larceny involving US currency. The reports were filed by a businessman against several officers of the Western Division.
On Friday, Cpl Amando Williams was apprehended and formally charged with misbehaviour in public office, specifically larceny, contrary to common law. Similarly, PC Kevon St John was arrested and charged with the same offence.
A release from the TTPS yesterday said on March 19 and April 9, two reports of larceny involving US currency were filed against several officers of the Western Division.
On March 19 at about 10 am, while he was travelling east along the Beetham Highway near Maritime Plaza after leaving Port-of-Spain, a man was allegedly signalled to pull over by two police vehicles.
When he stopped, he was informed by an officer that they received information alleging he had possession of an illegal firearm. Subsequently, a search of his vehicle was carried out and several envelopes containing a total of US$17,000 was found and confiscated. A report was lodged with the Professional Standards Bureau and an investigation was launched.
On April 9, a similar incident occurred when the man was driving through Port-of-Spain. He was allegedly approached by officers who informed him they had information which suggested that he had firearms and ammunition in the vehicle and they were going to search the vehicle. Upon searching the man’s vehicle, officers confiscated US$20,175.
This incident was also reported, leading to a comprehensive investigation.
In a release, the TTPS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within its ranks.
“Any instances of misconduct will be swiftly and rigorously addressed in accordance with the law,” it said.
In an unrelated incident, police are investigating an incident where a Port-of-Spain man deposited cash for a vehicle he never received.
Police said the 34-year-old man responded to an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace last Monday about a car for sale on a work-to-own arrangement.
On Thursday, the man deposited $3,000 to an account belonging to a man believed to be the son of the car’s owner.
After confirming receipt of the cash, the owner told the man to meet her at KFC, St Helena, to complete the transaction but she never showed up. The man tried calling her several times without success.
Police are warning the public to be extremely cautious when responding to advertisements on social media.