The United States Government officially rested its case against former Premier Andrew Fahie after the courtroom witnessed additional testimonies and reviewed admitted exhibits on day seven of the ongoing trial on Wednesday, February 7.
Following this, the defence team initiated a Rule 29 motion, seeking a potential dismissal of the criminal case. A Rule 29 Motion, grounded in the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 291234, empowers a federal judge to dismiss a criminal case if the presented evidence is deemed insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Presiding Judge Justice Kathleen Williams in response, denied the motion, indicating that the trial will proceed to the jury deliberation stage. The denial implies that the judge believes there is sufficient evidence for the case to continue and for the jury to consider.
Attorneys Kevin Gerarde, Sean Thomas McLaughlin, and Theresa Mary Bailey Van Vliet played prominent roles during this phase of the trial, representing various interests and contributing to the legal discourse.
The trial is set to resume today February 8, 2024.