Investigators probing the bribery allegation against Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sharon Hicks have wrapped up their investigations and are in the process of seeking legal advice.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum yesterday told Stabroek News that the case file was being dispatched to the office of the junior police legal advisor.
Blanhum said that after obtaining advice from their legal advisor, the case file will be forwarded to the Chambers of Director of Public Prosecutions for further guidance.
Hicks, who had been functioning as Permanent Secretary of the ministry since last year, was arrested on Thursday last after she was allegedly caught in a sting operation accepting a bribe from a contractor who provides security services.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in a statement to the press on Friday announced that Hicks had been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
After being questioned subsequent to her arrest, Hicks was placed on “substantial bail.”
Blanhum said the sting operation was organised after the police received reports of Hicks demanding cash from the contractor in exchange for services at the ministry.
The Crime Chief added that after Hicks was caught in the operation, she was informed of the offence and taken into custody.
For the operation, police used marked bills which were handed over to her by the contractor. Those bills were found in her possession.
