Police Constable Kerry Valdez, who is facing 13 fraud charges, was shielded by his colleagues after his first appearance before a Siparia magistrate on Monday. Valdez, who was placed on $200,000 bail when he appeared before a justice of the peace on Friday, walked into the court unnoticed.
However, as he left the court, police blocked the media's view and Valdez was allowed to pass through an emergency exit at the back of the court. The 33-year-old officer, of Puna Road, Williamsville, appeared before Senior Magistrate Gail Gonzales in the Siparia First Court.
He was charged with ten counts of producing false documents and forgery related to driver's permits, two counts for possession of false driver's permits and one count of possession of a false credit card. The charges were laid by Sgt Douglas. Valdez was represented by attorney Hubert Charles.
Court prosecutor Sgt Angus Harry told the court that he had no objection to bail as a trace on Valdez's history showed that he had a clean record. Valdez was arrested on July 25 at a Penal furniture outlet after he allegedly produced false documents while attempting to make a purchase.
Investigations were carried out by officers of the Professional and Standard Bureau and Valdez was charged last week. Valdez, who is on now on vacation, was last assigned to the La Brea Police Post.
