November 10 for airline fuel case

WESTERN BUREAU:

The case against three St James men, who were arrested in July for allegedly stealing aviation fuel from Jamaica Aircraft Refuelling Services (JARS) in Montego Bay, has been set for mention in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on November 10.

Dave Morris, Rayon Downer, and Rhoan Williams, who are facing charges ranging from breaches of the Larceny Act to receiving stolen property, had their bails extended when they appeared in court on Wednesday.

Morris is represented by attorney-at-law O'Neil Brown; Downer, by attorney Don Foote; and Williams, by attorney Jacqueline Minto.

When the case was mentioned, the defendants' lawyers made an application that a number of vehicles and electronic equipment, which had been confiscated at the time of the men's arrest, be released from police custody on or before the next court date.

It was also revealed that several data CDs relating to the case were outstanding from the prosecution's case file.

Subsequently, Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small set the matter for mention on November 10.

raids

Morris, Downer, and Williams were arrested and charged on July 24 by officers from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency after raids were conducted at three dwellings and a business place, and evidence allegedly linking the men to the stolen aviation fuel was found.

It is further alleged that during the raids, cash amounting to J$2 million and documents of evidential value were confiscated.

The matter involving the theft of the aviation fuel came to the fore on May 10 when a fuel tanker was seen refuelling at the JARS plant at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The action, which was considered contrary to the norm, aroused the suspicion of airport officials as according to the police, the refuellers are only used to service aircraft coming into the airport.

Subsequent to the men being taken into custody, approximately 4,000 litres of fuel was reportedly found at an undisclosed location.