Airport cops accused of helping Dominican escape custody

Two policemen who are accused of letting a Dominican Republic national out of their custody at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were yesterday placed on $150,000 bail.

The allegation is that on November 25, at the CJIA, officers Brental Solomon and Orvil Pedro unlawfully allowed Vincente Daniel Peguaro out of their custody.

Solomon, of 74 B Alness Village, Berbice and Pedro, who resides at Lethem, both pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to them by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that Solomon and Pedro are serving members of the Guyana Police Force, who are attached to the immigration department.

On November 25, he said, at approximately 4:30pm, the prisoner was in custody at the holding facility at CJIA, where he was waiting to be placed on a flight to be sent back to his country after he was refused entry into Guyana.

It is alleged that Solomon and Pedro were attending to the man and were subsequently seen by a closed circuit camera aiding his escape. The prosecution further related that the accused denied the allegations when they were questioned and a report was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who advised that the ranks be charged for the unlawful act.

The prosecution had no objection to bail and the matter was adjourned until December 5 for reports and fixtures.