On the Run for 14 years, Man fined and sentenced

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – A Creole-speaking Haitian man who eluded law enforcement authorities for the past 14 years, up until his apprehension, has now been sent to prison.  He was found hiding in the closet of an apartment behind ‘Mara’, in Blue Hills, Providenciales, on May 02nd 2023.

Magnetic Media can confirm the man is identified as the third person, Alex Leandre who was in the apartment’s closet hiding from Immigration authorities when they came to conduct a search for illegal migrants.

The Public Prosecutor in court on May 31, 2023 told the Hon. Chief Magistrate Hatmin that the accused came into the Turks and Caicos and was given seven days to remain.  He arrived through the Providenciales International Airport in 2009.

After his seven days were concluded, by law, the man became irregular yet he skillfully avoided authorities up until his arrest on May 2, 2023.

Leandre was represented by Finbar Grant who begged the court for leniency on his client’s behalf in an attempt to have him immediately deported without jail time.

The Hon Magistrate Hatmin was very concerned of the length of time this man was able to cunningly stay under the radar from authorities without capture.

Ultimately,  ALEX LEANDRE was sentenced to nine months imprisonment with a fine of $4.000.00 , which he was expected to pay forthwith.