Another police officer charged in crime spree against state witness
As the saga of the alleged rape and sex exploitation of a young state witness in protective custody continues, another policeman, corporal Keith Lewis has been arrested and charged with burglary and indecent assault.
Corporal Lewis appeared before the Family Court yesterday morning and was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 with one surety.
As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to surrender his travel documents.
The state witness, who was placed under police security under the witness protection programme, has been the subject of alleged sex abuse.
Just two weeks ago another corporal of police, Michael Lynch, was arrested and charged for allegedly raping the state witness. He, too, was taking before the Family Court. He was not required to plea to the charge. He was released on bail.
It is understood that a number of other police officers, some of senior ranks, are being investigated and there is a possibility that charges may be brought against them also.
Lynch was among three police officers recently arrested for alleged crimes.
The other two, corporal Derek Humphrey and Enkem Richards.
Humphrey allegedly raped a fifteen-year-old girl three weeks ago and Richards was charged with burglary and criminal trespass. The charges allegedly stemmed from a dispute with his wife who ran into their neighbour’s house. He had pursued her into the house.
The charges against Richards have since been dropped.
A recent release from the police public relations and complaints department stated that the police high command would like to reassure the members of the general public that under no circumstances does the organization condone any unlawful acts being perpetrated by a member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force against any member of the general public.
“As police officers we took an oath and have a vested responsibility to protect the citizens of this blessed land and visitors alike,” the release further stated.
According to the release, the police officers have been placed on suspension.