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Hodge & Harrigan lose extradition case

- lawyers for duo to appeal decision in coming days
Earl Deville Hodge aka ‘Bob Hodge’, left, and ex Customs Officer, Roberto Harrigan aka ‘Tico’, right, have been remanded to prison after the ruling of the Extradition Hearing in June of this year went against them. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Word just reaching our newsroom is that Earl D. Hodge aka Bob Hodge and former Customs Officer Roberto ‘Tico’ Harrigan have lost their extradition case brought by the Crown on behalf of the Government of the United States of America.

The ruling was handed down today, November 14, 2017 at the Road Town Police Station, this news site can confirm.

The two men are wanted by the United States for allegedly being involved in a drug ring.

Speaking exclusively to our newsroom, the men's lawyers Stephen R. Daniels and Patrick Thompson stated that an appeal will be made against the decision by Magistrate Shawn Innocent.

“We are in the process of exercising the Respondents right to apply for habeas corpus before the High Court within 15 days,” the two-lawyer team related to this news site.

The extradition hearing had started on June 6, 2017 and the decision was expected since July 25, 2017.

The two accused, who were on bail with strict curfew conditions, have been taken back into custody at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Background

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.

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.

24 Responses to “Hodge & Harrigan lose extradition case”

  • Sacrotuberous (14/11/2017, 17:47) Like (10) Dislike (25) Reply
    The BVI must bow to the USA. We want visa waiver, green card, birth paper and Citizen Ship. If we can't give them the cheese with the dough then none of those said above is a no no. Think bout that mison.
    • OF Course (14/11/2017, 20:24) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      And the BVI will bow down to the USA. At this point they will get them without the cheese and dough.
    • Serpico (15/11/2017, 12:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      WHO you bow down to in the BVI? You want Residence, Belonger status, Naturalization, Work permit exemption. Cart your
  • winners (14/11/2017, 17:59) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Another win for the lawyers and judges
  • voter (14/11/2017, 18:16) Like (27) Dislike (33) Reply
    Very sad NDP BEHIND THIS
    • IQ (14/11/2017, 19:29) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
      NDP?!....there is a place called the UK and they have extradition laws / agreements. We live in a very special position.
    • Toto (14/11/2017, 19:37) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      Long over due con air is on the Tupac waiting .
    • OG (15/11/2017, 08:09) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
      @Voter, please explain how the NDP is behind this. The NDP has nothing to do with this. Like this or not, the two accused men need to stop the nonsense and take their punishment. The longer they try to block the Feds, the longer their jail time is going to be in federal Prison. Also, remember the BVI is in no position to be sanctioned by the US.
  • ... (14/11/2017, 19:07) Like (12) Dislike (27) Reply
    Look how our people are being treated this cannot be right
  • Awol again (14/11/2017, 19:26) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
    How can this be where is OUR government?
    • Really? (14/11/2017, 22:05) Like (19) Dislike (11) Reply
      @AWOL again, the Government has nothing to do with this. The FEDS is and will come and pick them up soon.
    • To Awol again (15/11/2017, 08:38) Like (2) Dislike (16) Reply
      Our government is always abandonding us in the time of need. They did it with IRMA and MARIA and now this.
  • My girl (14/11/2017, 19:28) Like (13) Dislike (16) Reply
    When the white man wants you he will leave no stones unturned
    • ????? (14/11/2017, 22:19) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
      @Jack, you think only the White man is the Feds? I don't know why people like yourself don't get it through your thick skull that when the Feds build a case against someone, they have something on the person/persons.
      • m and m (15/11/2017, 00:06) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
        What about the politicians? When will their turn come to go to jail?
        • wize up (17/11/2017, 01:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ m & m: ask prince charles he will be here Saturday or the commissioner of police or the governor ( pick one of the above)
  • losing battle (14/11/2017, 19:45) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    They will not win against the Americans. Bigger and richer than them were fighting and today they are in American jail...No way out.. Don't waste no more money just go and take your punishment..
  • pat (15/11/2017, 00:04) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    They will win on appeal mark my words
    • @ pat (15/11/2017, 12:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am praying for that
    • Dudas (15/11/2017, 14:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ pat:

      I wonder what grounds they will appeal on? You seem to know, since you are so confident that they will win on appeal!
  • chad (15/11/2017, 00:10) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
    NO JUSTICE NO PEACE TIME TO MARCH ON THE WHITE HOUSE PLANE AND SIMPLY
  • Buju On Tape (15/11/2017, 06:07) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    They had Buju Bonton on tape discussing a deal. The deal never happen. Just a cocaine deal discussion and Buju spend a million fighting and where he is today. Bom bam bop in a Bat boy head. Me no like bat boy all them fu dead... Since then he on the feds and CIA wanted list and they didn't stop. They finally set him up...See.. Don't get the feds angry. Rite now they are angry...
  • wize up (15/11/2017, 10:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the value of money(today)


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