A customs officer previously accused of breach of trust in connection to the reportedly illegal entry of a group of 13 Brazilian nationals last year was cleared of the charge in Magistrates’ Court Friday.
“That means you’re free to go,” Magistrate Tamia Richards told Clarence Fahie before he exited the courtroom.
Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany Scatliffe said the decision to drop the case against Mr. Fahie, 50, was the result of discussions held with Mr. Fahie’s attorney, Stephen Daniels.
Ms. Scatliffe said the Crown intends to move forward with the case against Brian Henley, an immigration officer who was also charged with multiple counts of breach of trust in connection with the incident. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Nov. 9.
On Feb. 11, 2011, 13 Brazilian nationals were arrested in Cane Garden Bay. They had VI entry stamps in their passports, but there were no corresponding records at any port of entry in the territory, a Government Information Services press release stated at the time.
The 13 Brazilians — six men and seven women — allegedly entered the territory on Feb. 10 aboard the vessel Paint it Black, which docked at Village Cay Marina, Ms. Scatliffe said.
See the Oct. 11, 2012 edition for full coverage.