Devon Evans, STAR Writer
St Ann's Bay
Resident Magistrate Yvonne Brown on Tuesday freed businessman and journalist Garwin Davis of fraud charges.
Davis was arrested and charged with being in possession of a forged US passport bearing his photograph, on April 17 this year.
Raid on house
The case arose out of a raid on Davis' home in Ocho Rios by members of the Organised Crime Investigation Division and Fraud Squad, where they reportedly found the alleged forged passport. The police claimed they were searching for evidence in relation to the collapsed Cash Plus investment scheme, and accused Davis of being a public relations consultant for the company.
No interest
However, when the case came up for mention in the St Ann's Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, the clerk of court told the court that the United States authorities have not shown any interest in the matter.
The clerk of court said, based on the lack of evidence, the Crown had decided to withdraw the charges against the accused.
RM Brown then dismissed the matter and told Davis he was free to go. Davis was represented by attorney-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson.
Speaking in an interview with The STAR, Davis said he was heartened by the decision of the court. "For me, it was a huge relief because it was a very embarrassing and painful ordeal for myself, members of my family and my friends."
He also thanked his attorney for believing in him and ensuring that he was able to walk free.
"As I said from the start, a real hatchet job was done on my name, but I know I would be vindicated and so due process has taken its course and relieved me of the charges," Davis said.
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