Ex-cop charged for lying under oath in narcotics trial

Jun 28, 2017 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

Marlon Chatterpaul, a former policeman, who is accused of lying under oath while testifying in a narcotics trial while he was a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was yesterday charged for the offence.
Chatterpaul, 28, of Lot 59 Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on July 28, 2016 at Weldaad Magistrate’s Courts, while being a witness in a matter of police versus Venson Charles and Victor Edwards, he falsely swore to information.
It was further alleged that on the same day at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, he falsely swore in his evidence in chief, in the matter stated in the previous charge. The former cop was released on a total of $50,000 bail–$25,000 bail on both counts.
Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore opposed bail being granted to Chatterpaul citing that he is currently under investigation in relation to other matters. Prosecutor Moore said that the defendant is likely not to return to court for trial should bail be granted. The prosecutor also pointed out that Chatterpaul provided the police and court with conflicting addresses.
His objections were however overruled by the Chief Magistrate.
This matter was transferred to the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court for July 27.
Venson Charles, 25, of Lot 7644 Sheet Anchor Village and Victor Edwards, 21, of Canefield Canje, were freed on a charge which alleged that they had trafficked over seven kilograms of marijuana.
The matter against them was dismissed by Magistrate Rhondell Weever who underscored that Chatterpaul, the main witness deliberately lied and gave inconsistent evidence.
Based on reports, Chatterpaul admitted under cross examination that he was guided by his superior to frame the two men for the offence.
According to reports, Charles and Edwards had been accused of trafficking the marijuana on May 31, 2016. It was reported that Charles was the owner of the motorcar in which the narcotics was allegedly found in. Reports indicate that Chatterpaul was en route to New Amsterdam when he saw the white motorcar parked on Washington Public Road.
Chatterpaul reportedly testified that he had observed a road-block at the Weldaad Police Station and that the occupants in the vehicle were looking to divert the road block. This allegedly raised suspicions of Chatterpaul who approached the vehicle and searched Edwards but found nothing on him.
The marijuana was later found in the bag concealed in plastic bags behind the driver’s seat.

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