Representative of the First District and former Premier Honourable Andrew Fahie for the first time since his arrest in April in the United States has submitted a Notice of Absence to the House of Assembly.
This was confirmed by the Speaker of the House Honourable Corine George-Massicote during the Fourth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly earlier this morning.
Fahie was recently released on bail after posting a bond that was granted in the sum of $1 million by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams.
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 in May.
The former premier who is required to wear a GPS device so he can be monitored at all times had to first prove that the money for his bail was from a legitimate source before being released from custody.
Judge Williams also ordered Fahie’s daughters and wife to surrender their passports, adding that his attorney Theresa Van Vliet can only visit him at his daughters’ home in southwest Miami-Dade County.
Fahie has since pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to import a controlled substance, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and attempted money laundering.
Facing up to 20 years if convicted
If convicted, Fahie could face a maximum of life in prison 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.
According to recent court documents, Fahie’s trial date has been set for July 18.