Nevispages Reporter
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- After spending a week in the holding cell of the Charlestown Police Station, Caldre Chapman of Matchman Village, Gingerland was granted bail by Her Honor, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke.
The 28 year old appeared before the District ‘C’ Magistrate Court on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 represented by Attorney, Chesley Hamilton.
Hamilton told the court that his client is one who never gets into trouble. He stated that Chapman is not known to be in any gang nor is he involved in any criminal activity. The attorney said his client went to the Long Point after being told that a package was there with his name and address on it.
The discovery of the contraband in that package at the port caused customs to charge the applicant with nine (9) offenses. These charges ranged from two (2) counts of Importation of Firearm, two (2) counts of Importation of Ammunition, four (4) counts of Attempting to Evade Customs and one (1) count of making a false declaration. Hamilton admitted that the charges were serious but he told the court that his client was willing to abide by any bail conditions that the court deemed fit.
The police Prosecution that was led by Inspector Stephen Hector did not deny bail. According to Hector, the accused was charged by Customs Officers. He stated that police officers have not yet charged the accused. However, he indicated that more charges are pending from the police against the accused.
Her Honor allowed Hamilton’s request and granted bail to the accused in the sum of $30, 000.00 with two (2) sureties.
The father of four was arrested on Monday, October 6, 2014 after a joint operation by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and HM Customs and Excise Department on Nevis uncovered one (1) firearm, one (1) M16 and a large quantity of matching rounds of ammunition.