Tashieka Mair, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A DEPORTATION order has been issued for 28-year-old Colombian national, Reuben Santa Maria Hernandez, who was charged with unlawful possession of money after police recovered millions of dollars from his Montego Bay home in March.
$500,000 BAIL
Hernandez, who was out on $500,000 bail, was remanded in custody yesterday when he was brought before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court due to the new
development.
Prior to the deportation order, a trial date had been set for
May 31.
Allegations are that, about 1:15 p.m. on March 3, a police team with a warrant under the Dangerous Drug and Unlawful Possession of Property Acts, went to Hernandez's home.
It is said that during a search of the premises, two plastic bags and a carton box were found in a closet, containing US$89,000 (J$5.8 million) and J$4.7 million. He was taken into custody after he was not able to give a suitable explanation as to how he got the money.
Attorney-at-law George Thomas told RM Winsome Henry that he saw no basis for his client's deportation. He said he would be appealing the decision and asked that his client be readmitted to bail.
TRIAL TO PROCEED
However, RM Henry maintained that the deportation order was a major factor to consider if she were to make such a decision. She said that she would proceed with the trial and that decisions in relation to the order would be made after the trial.
Last year Hernandez was acquitted on charges of unlawful possession of money in connection with the seizure of US$355,000 (J$23 million) from his house at Leaders Avenue, Montego Bay.
A probe was also launched into the circumstances under which Hernández has obtained an annual work permit for the past three years. Documents in the possession of the police suggest that Hernández entered the island after receiving authorisation in 2003 to represent the Montego Bay-based Wadadah Football Club.
