FAHIE PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO DRUGS AND MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES

Former Premier Andrew Fahie has pleaded not guilty to his three charges of conspiracy to import a controlled substance, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and attempted money laundering.

Fahie’s arraignment was held today before a U.S federal court in Miami, where he was required to enter his plea on the three charges.

He is jointly charged with Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard who at the time of her arrest was the Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, and her son Kadeem Maynard.

The verdict was confirmed by Fahie’s attorney Theresa Van Vliet who reportedly confirmed the plea to international media house Reuters.

Fahie granted $1 million bond

Just yesterday, Fahie was granted a bond in the sum of $1 million by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams.

She indicated that the former premier must first prove that the money for his bail is from a legitimate source before being released from custody.

Judge Williams granted Fahie a $500,000 personal surety bond in addition to the $500,000 corporate surety bond which was issued by federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes earlier this month.

The judge said the personal surety bond must be cosigned by Fahie, his daughters and a friend, adding that he will be required to wear a GPS device so he can be monitored at all times.

In addition, Judge Williams also ordered that Fahie’s daughters and wife will have to surrender their passports, adding that his attorney Theresa Van Vliet can only visit him at his daughters’ home in southwest Miami-Dade County.

The U.S. prosecutors had argued that Fahie was a flight risk and a danger to the community, stating that his maximum sentence if convicted, coupled with the corruption allegations increased the likelihood of the former premier fleeing the United States.

Facing up to 20 years if convicted

Recent court documents revealed that the trio is facing a maximum of life in prison if convicted on the charge of conspiracy to import a controlled substance and two maximum sentences of 20 years each if convicted for conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and attempted money laundering.

More to come on this developing story.