Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

One of the five policemen who was charged jointly with a former policeman for allegedly attempting to extort US$2.5 million from a St. Andrew businessman has been freed.

Constable Dave Austin was freed yesterday after Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey upheld a no-case submission made by defence lawyer Peter Champagnie.

Mr. Champagnie argued that Austin was not involved in the alleged offence. He said Austin was passing by and had just stopped to talk with some of the accused when he was arrested and charged in a sting operation.

The RM will rule on May 22 in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court if there is a case for the other accused to answer.

They are constables Omar Francis, Clarence Ducille, Kevin Thompson, District Constable Ainsworth Williams and ex-policeman Grantley Vickers.

They are on trial for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.

Demanded money

The allegations are that, on January 17, 2003, the policemen pretended to be members of the Fugitive Apprehension Team. They allegedly contacted family members of businessman Marvin Wong and demanded money, on the basis that Wong was wanted by the United States Government and they had a warrant for him. It is further alleged that they demanded US$2.5 million.

The matter was reported to the police and the men were held on January 28, 2003.