After two years of trials, retrials, and a variety of contentious legal submissions, Magistrate Dr. Velon John dismissed multiple charges yesterday, freeing three men accused of involvement in an alleged cocaine operation.
The trio — Hugh Erickson, Leon King and Gerry Freeman — were on trial along with James John and Jomo Jack for charges of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug and possessing proceeds of criminal conduct.
But when prosecutors refused to proceed in the trial Wednesday, arguing that the case should be delayed until their appeal regarding the men’s bail is heard, Dr. John said he had no choice but to dismiss those charges against four of the five defendants.
The matter still continues against Mr. John, however, because he had already pleaded guilty to importing cocaine after 114 kilograms of the drug were allegedly found in his home.
Mr. Jack, a St. Vincent native, will also have his matter continued because his trial was separated from the others last month at the request of his attorney, Hugh Wildman.
See the Nov. 6, 2014 edition for full coverage.