As the probe into the alleged larceny of state assets by former Director of Sports Christopher continues, investigators yesterday obtained additional documents pertaining to the investigation, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed.
Jones was arrested in the wee hours of August 21st after the police carried out a search at his home and seized over $4M of barbershop equipment deemed to be state assets. The items which were seized were purchased as part of a $4 million government-funded project under the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.
Jones was arrested hours after his lawyer secured an order barring the law enforcers from entering his Georgetown home without a warrant.
Vanloads of lawmen had turned up at Jones’ house around 6.30pm on August 20th and had attempted to enter his yard but Jones questioned if they had a warrant. They had none and remained outside the house after a large crowd had gathered, including members of the APNU+AFC coalition.
At around 12.30 the following morning, the police allegedly broke a lock and entered his home, arresting him and removing the boxes. Jones was later released on $100,000 station bail.
The manner in which police carried out the operation, including the deployment of dozens of ranks, an attempt to execute a search without a warrant and their alleged disregard for a court order barring them from proceeding, sparked public outrage and condemnation.
Former President David Granger, the leader of the PNCR, which is Jones’ party, called the operation a coordinated political attack.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall during a virtual press conference had defended the actions of the police during the investigation.
Nandlall had said if Jones believes that “a wrong” was done, then he could sue his office.
