Extradition hearing #2 for ‘Bob’ Hodge & Tico Harrigan begins
Governor John S. Duncan OBE had earlier this year imposed direct rule on the Virgin Islands in ordering monies be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund for this case.
The sitting, which started today June 6, 2017 is anticipated to run for approximately three weeks and will see attorneys at Law Stephen R. Daniels and Patrick Thompson representing the two wanted men.
However, if Magistrate Innocent does not find the two prominent lawyers’ arguments solid enough he can give a judgment in favour of the US Department of Justice; Hodge and Harrigan will have a 14-day period to apply to the High Court to challenge the ruling.
Hodge and Harrigan were arrested on February 7 this year when members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) acted upon new warrants they had received from the United States Justice Department.
The two men were remanded to prison following a special sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at the Road Town Police Station on February 8, 2017.
First extradition order was quashed
On December 22, 2014 the High Court of the Virgin Islands had quashed an extradition order for Mr Earl Delville ‘Bob’ Hodge, Carlston Beazer, Chad Skelton and Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan.
Justice Vicki Ann Ellis’ 51-page ruling summed up her decision against former Governor William Boyd McCleary, saying the court found that there was no independent judgment exercised by him (McCleary) in making his decision to issue an extradition order.
The four men were wanted by US authorities for their alleged involvement in a drug ring.
The men then challenged the Order to Proceed with a second extradition hearing ordered by McCleary.
The Judicial Review matter had resulted in a stay in the extradition proceedings at the Magistrate's Court.
Meanwhile, on September 12, 2016 the wife of Mr Hodge, horse racing legend and businesswomen Mrs Violet 'Letty' Hodge was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $100,000 after being charged for conspiracy to import cocaine.
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21 Responses to “Extradition hearing #2 for ‘Bob’ Hodge & Tico Harrigan begins”
I wish that some of the bloggers who take a moment and consider the seriousness of this proceeding, the possible consequences or back lash of it all. The country should not have to suffer for two gr......y men freedom, and the government should stay out of it and let the chips fall where they may.