Craig Cochrane of Clarke’s Hill has been charged with larceny and obtaining. He appeared in the St John’s Magistrates’ Court last week after being granted station bail to answer to the charges.
The charges were not put to him at that stage, but the bail was confirmed by Chief Magistrate Ivan Walters. Prosecutors had requested of the court for the bail to continue.
The prosecution told the court that it will proceed with the matter indictably.
Cochrane is challenging the complaints.
Allegations are Cochrane on 29 June, 2008, took $1,500 from a Jamaican man, who was seeking a three-month extension to remain in the country.
The man is alleged to have left his passport with Cochrane, who would have stamped the extension inside.
It is further alleged that some time between July and December, 2008, the Jamaican man went back to the immigration officer and asked for his travel document. Further allegations are that Cochrane asked the man for an additional $400 in order for him (the Jamaican man) to be given back his passport. Cochrane has reportedly been suspended from active duties.
Chief Magistrate Walters asked that the police expedite the matter since the immigration officer is on suspension and his job is at stake.
Committal proceedings are set for 8 February, 2010.
The accused is being represented by attorney Alex Fearon.
This is the second immigration officer within weeks to be suspended from the job after having been charged for accepting monies from non-nationals seeking extension to remain in the country.
Bernard Eudelle is now before the court on similar charges. His trial has commenced.
The police have also uncovered an alleged scam involving two Guyanese nationals, who have duplicated an immigration stamp, and have been giving a number of people, including Guyanese and Jamaicans extension.
The two, a man and a woman, are currently on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison awaiting trial.
