Investigators are expected to complete the file on allegations of physical and sexual abuse committed on juveniles at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) by Monday, according to Crime Chief Leslie James.
James had told Stabroek News in June that charges were likely to be laid against four NOC staff members. Allegations of abuse had been made by four girls who were subsequently removed from the institution by the Child Care & Protection Agency (CC&PA).
Approached on Thursday for an update, the Crime Chief explained that the investigation is still in progress because additional work was needed.
James said that the file is “near completion” and added that some of the investigators had to travel to Springlands and New Amsterdam in pursuit of information that was given by the four girls. “I am sure that by Monday we can have that file completed,” he said.
Once that is done he said, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
The allegations of sexual and physical abuse at the institution surfaced in May. The girls also told their parents of being placed in what the NOC officials have now said is a “quiet room” but which the children said was the “detention room” where they were made to stay in various forms of undress for long periods. They alleged too that they were denied food while in the room and were given a bucket instead of being allowed access to toilets.
Statements were later given to the police and an investigation was launched.
