A police officer arrested in connection with the disappearance of an M16 rifle is now out on bail and has been officially suspended from duty, according to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
During a press conference last week, Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Northern Division, Elvis Thomas, confirmed that Officer Jerson Ricardo Charlemagne, who was previously remanded, has met the court’s bail conditions and is no longer in custody.
“The officer was charged, he was remanded, and the matter is currently still under active investigation,” ACP Thomas stated. “There was a condition for bail, and once the individual has met the condition for bail, he is free to be out — but there would be certain conditions for him.”
Charlemagne’s release comes as investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the missing high-powered weapon, which has raised concerns over security and accountability within the force.
ACP Thomas further confirmed that the officer has since been suspended from duty.
“Up to this morning, I noticed a document from the Office of the Commissioner where the officer has been placed on suspension,” he disclosed.
While the details of the ongoing investigation remain closely guarded, ACP Thomas assured members of the public that they will be kept informed as new developments arise.
“There is an investigation that is ongoing,” he said, “and so as information becomes available, we will be in a position to furnish you.”
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not indicated when a full report on the matter is expected but reiterated its commitment to transparency as the case unfolds.
