Veteran Sergeant of Police, Ricardo Jerson Charlemagne has been charged with theft in connection with the disappearance of an M16 rifle from the Gros Islet Police Station armoury earlier this month.
Despite the seriousness of the case, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has urged the public not to lose faith in law enforcement.
Superintendent Luke Defreitas, who heads the Central Division, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that Sergeant Charlemagne was formally charged on Monday. The high-powered rifle went missing on February 15 and has not yet been found.
“This firearm remains unaccounted for, and it is with deep concern that the RSLPF addresses its members and the public regarding this serious breach of trust within our ranks,” he stated, adding that all possible leads were being explored to recover the weapon.
“This matter is now before the courts, and we will allow due process to take its course. However, I want to assure the public that we remain committed to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that justice is served.”
Defreitas insisted that this incident does not define the many hard-working officers who risk their lives daily.
“We will continue to uphold the values of duty, honour, and service to the highest degree,” he affirmed.
The Superintendent also relayed a strong message from the Commissioner of Police and the Senior Command of the RSLPF, underscoring that the force upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He warned that any action undermining public trust would not be tolerated.
“Corruption, misconduct, and criminal behaviour have no place in this organisation, and those who engage in such actions will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.
“I therefore call on the men and women of this institution to operate within the confines of the law and to continue to exercise the firm moral codes instilled in each one of us, upon enlistment.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by breaches in trust and security, he commended the officers involved in investigating the missing rifle for their thoroughness and professionalism.
“Their courageous actions augur well towards restoring public confidence in the sanctity of our humble profession,” he noted.
Defreitas also expressed gratitude for the public’s trust and support, reaffirming the force’s commitment to creating a safer Saint Lucia.
He assured that the public would be kept informed of any new developments in the investigation.
I hope this was not the weapon used as Ms. Lily stated and I quote “the murderer had a long gun”. In your 238 square miles you need to find the MURDERER and the WEAPONS asap. I am not certain if you all are even capable of running ballistics test. However, you have a murderer on the loose in possession of a firearm/machete/cutlass and that is seriously disturbing to me and I don’t even reside in St. Lucia.
Theft appears to be a somewhat easy charge, stealing a packet of Shirley biscuits and stealing an M16 rifle are both thefts, but some other term should be added to the stealing of the rifle, such as ‘unlawful removal of government property with the intention to supply it to criminals in order to pervert the course of justice and to use to commit murder and other serious offenses.’
This is getting serious!