Within the past week, more than 20 suspects have been charged before the courts and sent to Her Majesty’s Prison in connection with various crimes, as police officials vow to put a dent in the recent crime wave that has terrorized some and left many Bahamians on high alert and living in fear.
And authorities say there is more still to come as they prepare to charge other alleged criminals for various crimes from rape to armed robbery.
One court official said Monday that many of the matters were re-appearances, but she said there was also evidence of increasing numbers of new cases.
And as court officials remain busy, the work of police officers in hauling suspects before the courts has not gone unnoticed with some people openly thanking officers for moving speedily to allay public fear.
Maude Taylor, a downtown worker, said she appreciates the work the police do.
“I can truly say that the work our policemen and women do in this country is certainly no easy task,” Ms. Taylor said. “I think they act quickly and therefore they should be rewarded.”
Yesterday, the charging of suspects continued.
The man believed to be responsible for the robbery and assault at the home of Bethel Baptist Pastor Rev. Timothy Stewart almost two weeks ago was one suspect who faced a judge while a large crowd gathered outside the courtroom to get a glimpse of his face.
Charged was 24-year-old Dave Brown of Carmichael Road . He is accused of committing one count of rape; two counts of burglary; two counts of armed robbery; and two counts of receiving.
Police believe that Brown is the man who entered the Stewarts’ Westridge home and terrorized the pastor and his wife.
Also charged along with Brown was 26-year-old Jermaine Taylor also of Carmichael Road . He was charged with last Thursday’s home invasion of Ricardo and Judith Thompson at Coral Lakes.
Mr. Thompson was shot during the break-in.
Police say they have done much to curb the crime wave that has gripped the community with fear.
February 18, 2003. Brown was arraigned on one count of attempted murder; one count of armed robbery; one count of burglary; and one count of receiving.
Both men were not required to enter a plea and were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until their preliminary inquiry, which is set for
Police continue to hunt for La-Don Stubbs and Ronnie Jacques to face similar charges. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these men is asked to contact the police.
Also appearing before the courts was the man believed to be the mastermind behind the recent spate of crimes in New Providence. Charged on more than 15 different counts was 37-year-old Craig Higgs of Solider Road West.
Higgs who first appeared before Magistrate Marilyn Meers on one count of forged documents. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $500.
After his appearance in Court #5, Higgs appeared in Court #13 accused of committing 9 counts of armed robbery; two counts of kidnapping; one count of rape; one count of forcible detention; and three counts of receiving.
Higgs was denied bail and was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until December 2 at which time his matter would begin before Magistrate Linda Virgil.
By Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
