TCI News

David Smith free in Turks and Caicos; legal team cautiously optimistic

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2020

David Smith at Providenciales International Airport in 2015, file photo

#TurksandCaicosIslands – October 7, 2020 — David Smith, convicted in 2012 for being the boss of an elaborate multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme is released from Her Majesty’s Prison, Grand Turk and is today at home in Providenciales after having defeated three attempts by the United States to extradite him.

“He still has to deal with the new application on the offence that the court already indicated he cannot be extradited on. So he is not yet totally out of the woods,” said Oliver Smith, attorney for David Smith.

This is not the first time David Smith, who headed Olint in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands has been released from TCI prison. In January 2015, after serving three years of a six-year sentence, Smith was surprisingly set free when it had been expected he would be immediately extradited to the US to serve out a 30-year prison term there.

David Smith’s legal team fought long and hard against the extradition and won on an unexpected and unprecedented statute.

“We are pleased that he currently does not face extradition unless the attorney general is successful in their fourth attempt to extradite him on the same basis and the same offences for which extradition was previously denied for which the Magistrate’s Court ruled that the AG’s conduct in that regard, was an abuse of process,” explained Oliver Smith.

Some in TCI had posted to social media that David Smith was seen at the airport earlier today. Oliver Smith, confirmed his client’s release, adding that they are optimistic about any coming litigation.

“We would also like to extend our appreciation to and commend the AG in making David Smith’s release a collaborative one and assisted with expediting the process. For this they should be commended as acting in the highest tradition of the Bar.”

Among the arguments was that David Smith’s extradition was unconstitutional.

David Smith, who was accused of defrauding thousands of customers of more than US$220 million, was convicted in the United States District Court in Orlando, Florida after pleading guilty to 18 counts of money laundering, four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Related Topics:#DavidSmith #magneticmedianews #oliversmith #ponzischeme #turksandcaicos olint

Up Next

Beaches Turks & Caicos postpones reopening; four year legal matter with TCI Gov’t needs resolve

Don't Miss

Almost all Bahamas Cabinet in Quarantine

Deandrea S Hamilton

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.