Keon Luther, a former immigration officer, was yesterday granted $70,000 bail for allegedly forging an immigration stamp in a passport.

He pleaded not guilty to a forgery charge when he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge states that on May 21, 2008, with intent to defraud, he placed a forged immigration stamp in a passport belonging to Edbert Drakes.

In his bail application, Luther stated that the charge was the first time that he was in trouble with the law. He also told the magistrate that he is currently unemployed and also financially unstable. Luther also stated that he recently got married and his wife is expecting their first child.

The prosecution made no objections to the bail application and it was subsequently granted.

Luther is expected to make another court appearance on March 5.