Vincentian-born Antigua cop returns to Antigua from SVG under guard

A VINCENTIAN policeman serving in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) who fled to St Vincent after being accused of child sex molestation returned to Antigua early yesterday morning under police guard.

A usually reliable source told SEARCHLIGHT that the policeman opted to surrender, rather than be extradited.{{more}}

According to the Antigua Observer, the officer fled Antigua and Barbuda earlier this month, days after a report was filed that he had abducted and raped a 13- year-old girl.

Reports are that on September 28, the father of the minor filed a report against the officer, who was a regular visitor to their home and was known to the family.

The Antigua Observer reported that public relations officer of the RPFAB,

Senior Sergeant Frankie Thomas, said investigators executed several search warrants at the home of the accused.

Thomas further revealed that a fact-finding investigation was launched into the allegations and several statements pertaining to the alleged crime have also been recorded and that the issue would be treated like any other offence.

It was reported that on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) began a search for the officer here, after they received an arrest warrant for him.

SEARCHLIGHT contacted Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway yesterday for comment; however, he said he would do so at a later date.(AS)