Essequibo Cop charged for stealing cellular phone; case dismissed

A police constable stationed on the Essequibo Coast was Monday charged for stealing a Samsung S7 Edge cellular phone from a food vendor, police headquarters stated.

But the case was dismissed after the victim offered no evidence against the officer.

John Small, 23, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court slapped with the simple larceny charge.

On September 18, 2018, the accused policeman along with a colleague, both fully dressed in uniform, had entered the Double ‘D’ Mall on Charity Public Road, where the vendor operates a food business, a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) noted.

The policeman, who is still on probation, reportedly picked up the mobile device which was left on a table, and both officers promptly exited the premises.

“The matter was reported and a review of the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage in the building, caught the dishonest cop in the act,” the GPF stated.

The Force said based on legal advice obtained, the cop was charged in efforts to “weed out dishonest and corrupt members”.

After the case was dismissed, both constables have since been transferred pending a decision by the Commissioner of Police in respect of their retention in the Force.